Russian Military Aircraft

FAS Military Affairs
Network
Russian Military Aircraft

Su-7 FITTER A (SUKHOI)
The Sukhoi Su-7 is a single seat ground attack aircraft that was long a standard tactical
fighter-bomber with the Soviet Air Force. The development of Su-7 began in the early
1950's. First prototype called S-1 "Strela" made its first flight in 1955. The Su-7 was
unveiled to the West at the 1956 Soviet Aviation Day display at Tushino Airport outside
Moscow. The prototype came out to be very promising and Su-7 went in production
several years later, with modifications including the Su-7B and Su-7BKL. The airplane
was exported to Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, China, and other countries.
The Su-7 is armed with two 30mm NR-30 guns in wing roots, each with 70 rounds.
Under-wing pylons allow two 742 kg or two 495 kg of bombs or rocket pods. The wings
are mid- to low-mounted (wings are mounted below center of aircraft) with wide wing
roots, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. There is one engine in the body. There is a
circular air intake in the nose and a large, single exhaust. The fuselage is a long, tubular
body with a blunt nose and rear. There is a large, bubble canopy. The tail is swept-back
and has a tapered tail fin with a blunt tip. It has swept-back and tapered flats mid- to low-
mounted on the fuselage.
Specifications
Country of Origin CIS (formerly USSR)
Lightning
Similar Aircraft F-100 Super Sabre
MiG-21 Fishbed
Crew One
Role ground-attack
Length 57 ft (17.38 m)
Span 29 ft, 3 in (9 m)
Weight 13,387kg (loaded)
Maximum Speed 1.6 Mach
Maximum Ceiling Unknown
Service Ceiling 18 km
Maximum Range 1,449 km
Cruise range 645nm
Combat Range 250-350 km (with drop tanks)
In-Flight Refueling No
Internal Fuel 2350 Kg
Payload 1000kg
600 L drop tank with 479kg for 69 nm range
Drop Tanks Ferry tank with 719kg for 99nm range
Sensors High Fix (SRD-5M) radar.
two Cannon: NR-30 30mm
Armament FAB-500, UV-16-57 rocket bods, FAB-250, AA-
2,FAB-750, FAB-500
Afghanistan
Algeria
Bangladesh
Usesr Countries
Czech Republic
North Korea
South Yemen.
Su-9/11 FISHPOT (SUKHOI)
The Su-9 was the Su-7's interceptor counterpart, serving exclusively with the Soviet PVO
(air defence force). The tailed delta Su-9 was generally similar in configuration to the
MiG-21, though larger and heavier. This aircraft was never exported outside the Soviet
Union, and saw active duty for only a brief period before other aircraft developments
moved the Su-9 into second line service. The Su-11 all-weather interceptor was a
refinement of the Su-9 with a new engine, new radar and improved armament. The
Sukhoi FISHPOT was withdrawn from Soviet service around 1980.
The Su-9 FISHPOT should not be confused with the the SU-9(K), which was a Sukhoi
re-design the German Me 262, superficially resembling the Me-262 though constituting a
practically new design,
Specifications
Countries of Origin CIS (formerly USSR)
Similar Aircraft , MiG-21
Crew one
interceptor
Role
air superiority
missiles
Armament
gunpack
Engines 1 * 9060kg Lyulka Al-7F
Wing Span 8.43m
Length 16.70m
Height
Empty Weight 8750kg
Max.Weight
Speed 1915km/h
Ceiling 16800m
Range
Su-9
Su-11
Su-15 FLAGON (SUKHOI)
The Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon all-weather interceptor was withdrawn from Russian service
about 1992. Although the aircraft was built in the 1950s, it remained a formidable aircraft
with several upgrades, and was built in large numbers. Its speed is in excess of Mach 2.4
and carries large missiles on the outboard portion of the wings.
The aircraft's wings are mid-mounted delta with square tips. There are two turbojets in
the fuselage and two exhausts. The fuselage is rectangular from the air intakes to the tail.
The nose is bullet-shaped nose and has a bubble canopy. The tail is swept-back and has a
tapered fin with a square tip. The flats are swept-back, tapered, and mid-mounted on the
fuselage.
Specifications
MiG-21 Fishbed
Similar Aircraft
Super Etendard
one
Crew
Flagon C--two
interceptor
Role
air superiority
missiles
Armament
gunpack
Span 34 ft, 5 in (10.5 m)
CIS
User Countries Georgia
Ukraine
Su-17,-20,-22 FITTER (SUKHOI)
The Su-17 Fitter with its variable sweep wings was developed from the fixed-wing Su-
7B. The first public demonstration of it was made in 1969. It was in production for a long
time (1970-1990) and many modifications were built. Some of the modifications were
Su-17M, Su-17M2, Su-17M3, and the Su-17M4 (low-altitude subsonic bomber), Su-
17UM (trainer). It was designed as a fighter-bomber, but it was used mostly as a bomber.
The Su-17 remains an effective aircraft with capable avionics and impressive armament.
Export versions of this aircraft are designated Su-20 and Su-22. The export versions can
be distinguished by a deeper dorsal spine.
The wings are mid- to low-mounted (wings are mounted below the center), variable,
swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. There are wide wing roots. There is one turbojet
engine in the fuselage and a circular air intake in the nose. There is a large, single
exhaust. The fuselage is long and tubular with a blunt nose and rear section. It has a large
bubble canopy. There is a prominent dorsal spine on top of the body from the cockpit to
the tail fin. The tail is swept-back and has a tapered fin with a square tip. The flats are
mid- to low-mounted on the fuselage and swept-back and tapered.
Specifications
MiG-21 Fishbed
Su-7 Fitter
Similar Aircraft
A-7 Corsair II
G-Y91
Crew One
Role ground-attack
Length 61 ft, 6 in (18.76 m)
Span 45 ft (13.8 m)
Designation Su-17 fitter C Su-22 Fitter F
Ceiling 18000 meters 18000 meters
Cruise range 590 nm 945 nm
In-Flight Refueling No No
Internal Fuel 3700 kg 3950 kg
Payload 3500 kg 3500 kg
High Fix (Srd-5m) radar, Terrain-following
Sensors
RWR in both models. radar, RWR, Balistic
Fitter D also has LRMTS, bombsight
possible terrain-following
radar. Balistic bombsight
800 L drop tank with 639kg of
800 L drop tank with
fuel for 51nm range
Drop Tanks 639kg of fuel for 76
1200 l ferry tank with 958kg
nm
of fuel for 76 nm range
AS-10, AA-8, UV-32-57, Cannon: NR-30 30mm
Armament FAB-500, TN-1000 nuclear AS-7, AS-9, AS-10,
bomb AA-8, FAB-500 bombs
Afghanistan
Azerbaijan
Algeria
Belarus
Iran
Bulgaria
Iraq
CIS
Libya
User Countries Czech Republic
North Yemen
Germany
Peru
Hungary
South Yemen
Poland
Syria
Slovakia
Vietnam
Su-17
Su-20
Su-24 FENCER (SUKHOI)
The wings are high-mounted, variable, swept-back, and tapered. There are twin turbofan
engines. The air intakes are tapered away from the body, rectangular-shaped, and
mounted on the body forward of the wings’ leading edges. There are twin exhausts. The
fuselage is long, slender, with pointed, solid nose, and rectangular-shaped body from the
air intakes to the exhausts. There are two belly fins and four pylons. There is a bubble
canopy. The dorsal spine extends from the cockpit to the tail. The tail fin is swept-back
and tapered with square tip. The flats are high-mounted on the fuselage, swept-back, and
tapered with angular tips.
Variants
Later production marks may have different engines, POS R-29Bs @11500Kg.
 Fencer A is initial production variant w/ squared off aft fuselage.

 Su-24B has rounded fuselage.
 Su-24C has changes in EW equipment.
 Su-24D can be inflight refueled and has longer nose.
 Su-24E is recon variant for navy; can also carry antiship weapons.
 Fencer F possible version; perhaps EW variant.
Specifications
Tornado
F-111
Similar Aircraft F-14 Tomcat
F-15 Eagle
MiG-23/-27 Flogger
Crew Two
all-weather attack
Role fighter-bomber
strike
cannon
Armament missiles
bombs
Length 69 ft, 6 in (20 m)
Span 56 ft, 6 in (17.26 m)
Ceiling 16500 meters
Cruise range 1930nm
In-Flight Refueling Yes
Internal Fuel 10385 kg
Payload 8000 kg
Fencer radar, terrain-following radar, LRMTS, RWR,
Sensors
Advanced bombsight
Drop Tanks 3000 L drop tank with 2396kg of fuel for 233nm range
Cannon: GSh-6N-30 30mm rotary
Armament AS-7/9/10/11/12/14, AA-8, FAB-500, TN-1000, AA-
11
Azerbaijan
Belarus
CIS
Iran
User Countries
Kazakhstan
Libya
Syria
Ukraine
Su-25 FROGFOOT Grach (Rook)
Su-39 FROGFOOT
The Su-25, which is no longer in serial production, made its first flight in 1979. This
single seat ground attack aircraft is a very durable airplane - it is fairly heavily armored --
and easy to service - all service equipment can be stored in a container and transported by
the airplane itself. It is armed with one twin barrel 30mm gun in the bottom of the
fuselage with 250 rounds. There are 8 pylons under the wings which can carry about
4,000 kg of air-to-ground weapons, including 57mm to 330mm rockets. There are two
small outboard pylons for AA-2D/ATOLL or AA-8/APHID AAMs.
The wings are high-mounted and back-tapered with straight trailing edges. There are
pods mounted at the square tips. There are two turbojets mounted alongside the body
under the wings. There are semicircular air intakes forward of the wings’ leading edges.
There are exhausts to the rear of the wings’ trailing edges. The fuselage is long, and
slender and has a rounded nose. The body tapers to the rear section that overhangs the
exhausts. There is a stepped canopy. The tail is swept-back and fin is tapered with a
square tip. The flats mid-mounted on the fuselage, unequally tapered with blunt tips.
The Su-39 (also known as the Su-25T or Su-25TM) is a Frogfoot variant incorporating
post-Afghanistan lessons-learned. It is based on the Su-25UB two-seat trainder, with the
rear seat and cockpit replaced with a fuel cell and extra avionics. The Su-39 carries the
Kopyo-25 multi mode radar in a pod under the fuselage. Armament includes ground
attack missiles such as the AT-16 Vikhr , anti-ship missiles, and AAMs such as the R-27,
R-27ER, R-60, R-73 and R-77. A four-fold reduction in thermal signature has been
achieved through cooling intakes on the upper surface of aircraft, and a new center body
which masks hot turbine blades. Only a few dozen of these aircraft have been built.
Reports in the mid-1990s that the Su-39 designation had been assigned to a primary
trainer derived from the Su-26 and Su-29 aerobatic competition aircraft, designed to
replace the Yak-52, are apparently incorrect.
VARIANTS
 Su-25 (Frogfoot A) -- Original production ground attack aircraft with R-95
engines
 Su-25K -- Export version of Su-25
 Su-25UB (Frogfoot B) (UB - Uchebno-Boevoi, Combat Trainer) -- Two-seat
combat trainer
 Su-25UBK -- Export version of Su-25UB
 Su-25UBP -- Naval trainer based on Su-25UB
 Su-25UT (Frogfoot B) (UT - Uchebno-Trenirovochnyi, Trainer) -- Unarmed
primary trainer (sometimes referred to as Su-28)
 Su-25UTG (Frogfoot B) (UTG - Uchebno-Trenirovochnyi Gakovyi, Trainer
Naval) -- Naval trainer based on Su-25UT
 Su-25BM -- Enhanced ground attack aircraft with R-195 engines, this is the
current production version, and the most numerous in Russian service
 Su-25T (Su-25TM Tankovyi Modifitsirovannyi, Antitank) -- Proposed enhanced
version with more armour, improved sensors, and possibly a new gun and engines
[Su-25T's production designation is Su-39]
 Su-25TK -- Proposed export version of Su-25T
Specifications
Country of Origin Russia
Builder SUKHOI
A-6 Intruder
Magister
Alpha Jet
Similar Aircraft
Jaguar
AMX
A-10A Thunderbolt II
Crew One
CAS
Role
ground-attack
VARIANT Su-25 Su-39
Length 47 ft, 6 in (14.6 m) 14.52 m
Span 50 ft, 10 in (15.6 m) 15.33 m
2x Tumanski R-195 @
Engines
44,1 kN
Weight 17,600kg (loaded) 21500 kg
Maximum Speed .8 Mach 950 km/h
Maximum Ceiling 7000 meters 10000 meters
Service Ceiling 7000 meters
Maximum Range Unknown 2500 km
Cruise range 750nm 650 - 900 km
1,250 km (with drop
Combat Range
tanks)
Payload 4400 kg 6000 kg
RWR, laser designator,
Sensors LRMTS
600 L drop tank 479kg
Drop Tanks
for 51nm range
Cannon: 1 GSh-6-N-30
30mm rotary
AS-7/9/11/12, AA-8
Armament
Aphid, FAB-250, UV-32-
57, FAB-500, 500kg
LGB, FAB-250
Angola
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bulgaria
CIS
Czech Republic
User Countries Iraq Russia
Georgia
Hungary
Iran
North Korea
Slovakia
Ukraine
Su-25
Su-39
Su-27 FLANKER (SUKHOI)
The introduction, in the mid-1970s, of the USAF F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon
put the then Eastern bloc fighter pilots at a distinct disadvantage. The deployment of the
Su-27 Flanker and MiG-29 Fulcrum in the mid-1980s leveled the playing field. Designed
as a high performance fighter with a fly-by-wire control system, and the ability to carry
up to 10 AAMs, the highly maneuverable Su-27 is one of the most imposing fighters ever
built. The first 'Flanker-A' prototypes flew on May 20, 1977 and entered service as the
'Flanker-B' in 1984. The development of the Su-27 fighter plane was completed in the
early 1980s, and the plane subsequently set more than 40 world records of altitude and
take-off-speed. It was the forerunner of an entire family of planes, including the Su-27UB
training plane, the Su-33 ship-based fighter, the Su-37 multi-mission plane and the Su-
32FN two-seat specialised plane. The Su-27UB is a two seat training version of Su-27,
which first flew in March 1985.
The Su-27 is in service not only in Russia and other CIS countries but also in China and
Vietnam. China also bought a license for the production of its own Su-27 fighters. Sukhoi
in 1997 signed an estimated $180-million contract with Vietnam to supply six Su-27 (of
which two Su-27SK and four Su-27UB). It supplied four of them in 1996, and two were
destroyed when the freighter carrying them crashed into an apartment block in Irkutsk at
the end of last year. It is thought that Vietnam plans to buy a total of 24 Sukhoi warplanes
for $800 million by the end of the century. By the end of 1997 Sukhoi had passed all of
the blueprints over to license production of the Su-27SK in China, and negotiations on
the sale of a further 55 Su-27 fighters to China also began.
The wings are mid-mounted and semidelta with square tips. The LERX extends
downward and forward of the wing roots. There are two turbojet engines in the fuselage.
There are square, diagonally-cut air intakes mounted under the wings alongside the
fuselage. The fuselage is rectangular from the air intakes to the tail. The nose is pointed
and there is a bubble canopy. The tail fins are swept-back, tapered with square tips, and
mounted outboard of the engines. The flats are mid-mounted, swept-back, and tapered.
Specifications
F-15 Eagle
MiG-29 Fulcrum
Crew one
interceptor
Role
air superiority
Length 69 ft (21 m)
Span 47 ft, 6 in (14.5 m)
One 30 mm GSh-301cannon
up to 6,000 kg payload of missiles and bombs
including
Armament AA-10 (Alamo) air-to-air missiles
AA-11 (Archer) air-to-air missiles
FAB-100
Drop Tanks Drop tank with 1600kg for 126nm range
Payload 6000kg
Flash Dance radar, IRST and TV sensors, RWR,
Sensors
Balistic bombsight
Maximum speed Mach 2.35
Maximum weight 30,000 kg
Ceiling 15240-18,000 m
1,500 km combat radius [typical]
Range 1,800 km cruise radius
4,000 km maximum range
PROPULSION Two 12,550 kg thrust Lyulka AL-31F
Belarus
CIS
User Countries
People's Republic of China
Ukraine
Su-30 (Su-27P)
Su-32
Su-33 (Su-27K)
Su-34 (Su-27IB)
Su-35 (Su-27M)
Su-37
The robust Su-27 platform has served as the basis for a number of improved variants for a
diverse range of missions and users.
Su-30 (Su-27P) is a two-seat long-range intercept fighter that first flew in December
1989, and that entered service with the Russian air forces in 1992. Largely based on the
Su-27UB two-seat trainer, it has a new radiolocation system which can transmit the
positions of 10 targets to four other fighters at the same time. The Su-30 is made in
Irkutsk.
Su-30M (MK-export version) is a standard Su-30 with the air-to-ground missiles which
can carry twice the armament (8 tons) compared to the baseline Su-27. The Su-30 'export
variant' of the formidable Su-27 'Flanker', can carry the latest Russian air-to-air missiles,
including the medium-range R-27 family, the short-range R-73 and the new medium-
range R-77 'AMRAAM-ski'. The Sukhoi-30K has a range in excess of 3,000km, which
means it can easily patrol offshore installations without requiring aerial refuelling. In
June 1999 Russia agreed to sell 72 of these front-line Sukhoi-30 jet fighter-bombers to
China. The aircraft building enterprise in Komsomolsk-on-Amur (KnAAPO) is likely to
become the main supplier of a large lot of Su-30MKK fighter jets to China. The cost of
one Su-30MKK fighter jet is estimated at $35 million - $37 million. At the same time,
negotiations began for Moscow to grant a licence for the production of another 250
Sukhoi-30 fighters. The Su-30MKK for China is different in details from the Su-30MKI
version designed for India. Sukhoi has a $1.5-$1.8 billion deal to supply 40 Su-30MK to
India. In 1997, a total of eight aircraft were supplied under this contract, which should be
completed at the end of 1999. Negotiations to license the production of the Su-30MKI to
the Hindustan AeronauticsLimited (HAL) works of India continued in 1997. The Indians
received feasibility plans, and it is thought that a final decision would be reached this
year. Production in India would begin after 2001. In all, India might produce 100
warplanes in a contract worth more than $1 billion. However, as of mid-1999
negotiations on the contract for the licensed production of Su-30MKI fighter by HAL
remained delayed due to the government crisis in India, which could not be resolved until
after the Fall 1999 elections. The two sides had agreed on all the basic issues, including
the value of the licensing contract. As of mid-2000 India had received only eight SU-30K
air defence aircraft and none of the upgraded SU-30MK multi-role aircraft in the Rs
6310-crore deal signed with Russia in 1996. There had been no deliveries after May
1997. India's Defence Research Development Organisation had failed to develop and
supply key avionics sub-systems and failed to procure Western avionics to equip the SU-
30MK aircraft for its designated multi-role. Under the contract, the Irkutsk aircraft
production association will deliver 40 Su-30s to the Indian air force. Within the
framework of a contract worth $1.8bn Russia will deliver to India 40 military planes Su-
30 in different versions. At the end of 1999 Irkutsk aviation industrial association 'Irkut'
was finishing the assembly of ten Su-30MK multifunctional long-range for India's Air
Forces, equipped with aerial refuelling capabilities. After the deliveries are complete,
HAL plans to launch production of new modifications of Su-30s under a Russian license
in cooperation with Sukhoi. The Sukhoi-30 can be modified into a naval version, if the
Indian Government decides to acquire an aircraft carrier.
Su-32FN is the two-seat multi-role reconnaissance and strike export version of the Su-34
fighter-bomber.
Su-33 (Su-27K) is a carrier-based variant that first flew in May 1985, and entered service
in the Russian Navy in 1994. The air regiment comprising 24 fighters of the type was
formed up on Russia's only operating aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov. It has extra
small wings near the pilots cabin which shorten the take-off distance and improve
manoeuvrability. The Su-33 can also carry guided missiles such as the H-25MP, H-31
and H-41. The Su-33 is used in both night and day operations at sea, and operate with the
command center ship and with the Ka-31 early-warning helicopter. With the R-27EM
missiles it can intercept antiship missiles.
Su-34 (Su-27IB - Istrebitel-Bombardirovshchik) is a two seat ("arm-to-arm") strike

variant that first flew in 1990. It features frontal wings and a large flattened nose with
sharp edges (like the SR-71) reduce radar cross-section. This new ship-borne fighter is
fitted with two AL-31FP engines with vectored thrust. Using them allows either the take-
off distance or maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of the aircraft to be increased by 10-
15 per cent. The aircraft has a distinctive large "sting" in the rear which contains the NO-
14 radiolocation system, a radioelectronic countermeasures system, and a fuel tank. The
Su-32 and Su-34 have been developed and are in serial production in Novosibirsk for the
Russian Ministry of Defence.
Su-35 (Su-27M) is a single-seat attack fighter that first flew in 1988. The Su-35 and Su-
37 are made in Komomolsk-na-Amure. Like the Su-33 it features small wings near the
cabin to enhance manoeuvrability. It also has new digital pilot control and digital engine
control systems, replacing the analog computers in the original Su-27. The radar, with a
range of 400 km, can follow the position of 15 targets and fire at 6 of them at the same
time. An improved "Zuk" ("Scarab") radar features a mobile (+/- 130 degree) antenna
which can follow position of 24 targets with ability to fire to 8 of them. The rear "sting"
has a radiolocation system, which moved back the center of gravity, and which along
with other innovations improve its tactical ability. Armaments includee: R-77, R-73, KS-
172, R-27EM/AE, R-27E, R-27, H-31, H-29L/T, KAB-500L/KR, KAB-1500, H-15, H-
65, H-59M, S-25LD, 500kg and 250 kg bombs.
Su-37 Super Flanker is a single-seat and/or two-seat multi-role combat aircraft that was
first shown in model form at 1991 trade shows. Some wind tunnel tests completed as the
aircraft entered the basic design stage in 1992, with foreign partners being sought for
development. Unlike the other twin-engine Su-27 derivatives, the Su-37 concept
originally featured a single Soyuz/Tumansky turbofan engine rated at 180 kN (40500 lb
st) thrust with afterburning. What finally emerged from the design process was a
supermanoeuvrable version of the Su-35 with a pair of AL-37FU afterburning turbofans
with axisymmetric, steerable nozzles and thrust vector control (TVC). When the Su-37
was shown at Farnbrough in 1996 it stole the show, performing an astounding aerobatic
display.
The Su-30s cost approximately $34 million each - considerably more than the F-16.
India, for example, has agreed to buy 40 Su-30MK two-seat fighters for $1.2 billion.
Indonesia's planned purchase of Russian fighters and helicopters has been postponed
indefinitely owing to the country's economic crisis and the savage devaluation of the
Rupiah. The Indonesia Department of Defence announced in 1997 that it would buy 12
Sukhoi Su-30K fighters in place of the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters it originally planned
to buy from the US. Indonesia already operates a squadron of 12 F-16s.
Specifications
Country of Origin Russia
Builder Sukhoi
Role
Similar Aircraft
Su-34
1 GSh-30-1 30mm cannon with 150 rounds
R-27/R-73 AAMs
Kh-29T/Kh-31P/Kh-59M ASMs
bombs, rockets, drop tanks
ECM pods
Armament
carried on twelve external points
Su-37
1 x 30 mm gun: GSh-301 (150 rnds)

14 x Air-to-Air missiles: AA-10, AA-11, AA-12
Cost approximately $35 million
User Countries
Su-
Su-33 Su-30M Su-34 Su-35 Su-37
30MKI
Crew 2 2 2 2 1 1
Dimensions, m 7.4 +
Wing Span 14.70 14.70 14.70 14.70 14.70
14.70
Length 21.94 21.94 23.34 22.20 22.20
21.94
Height 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.43 6.43
5.93
Wing Area, m2 62 62.04 62.04 62 62 62
Weights, kg
empty - - 17,700 - 18,400 18,500
Normal - 24,000 25,670 39,000 25,700 25,670
Maximum 30,000 33,500 34,000 45,000 34,000 34,000
Payload, kg
Maximum 6,500 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000
Normal 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,400
Fuel, kg
Maximum - 5,090 5,090 - 11,000 11,000
Normal - 9,400 9,400 12,100 13,400 13,400
Engine 2 Lyulka 2 Lyulka 2 Lyulka 2 Lyulka 2 Lyulka 2 Lyulka
AL-31 AL-31 AL-31 AL- AL-37F AL-37FU
afterburni afterburni afterburni 31MF afterburni afterburni
ng ng ng afterburni ng ng
turbofans turbofans turbofans ng turbofans turbofans
turbofans,
27,557 lb
thrust
each
Speed, km/h
Cruise 1,400 1,380 1,380 1,300 1,400 1,400
Maximum
2,300 2,125 2,125 1,900 2,500 2,400
[at 10 000 m]
Maximum Speed,
2.17 2.3 2.3 1.8 2.3 2.3
Mach
Rate of Climb, m/s 230 230 230 - 230 230
Ceiling, m 17,000 17,500 - 14,000 18,000 18,000
Operating Range,
4000
km
3000 3000 3000 (4500) 3200 3200
Normal
- 5200 5200 7000 6500 6500
Maximum
- 6990 6990 - - -
Ferry
- - - 600 - -
Low Altitude
(1300)
Takeoff Distance, - 550 550 1260 - -
m
Landing distance, 1100
- 670 670 - -
m (950)
Maximum Turn, g +8 +9 +9 +7 +10 +9
Su-33 / Su-27K
Su-30
Su-32
Su-34
Su-35
Su-37
The Su-37 is a super-maneuverable thrust vectoring fighter derived from an Su-35
prototype. The Su-37 represents a new level of capability compared with the Su-27 and
Su-35. The Su-37 test aircraft made its maiden flight in April 1996 from the Zhukovsky
flight testing center near Moscow. This impressive single-seat all-weather counter-air
fighter and ground attack aircraft, derived from the SU-27, has an updated airframe
containing a high proportion of carbon-fibre and Al-Li alloy. The engines, avionics and
armaments are also improvements on those originally installed in the SU-27. The AL-
37FU engines are configured for thrust vector control, with the axisymmetric steerable
thrust vector control nozzle is fixed on a circular turning unit. The steel nozzle in the
experimental engines is replaced in production engines by titanium units to reduce the
weight of the nozzle. The nozzle only moves in the pitch axis, and the nozzles on the two
engines can deflect together or differentially to achieve the desired thrust vector for a
particular maneuver.
The Su-37 has a variety of other innovative equipment such as a radar configured for
simultaneous surveillance of airspace and the ground and a high-precision laser-
inertial/satellite navigation system. The all-weather digital multi-mode phased array radar
operates in either air and ground surveillance modes or in both modes simultaneously.
Ground surveillance modes include mapping (with Doppler beam sharpening), search-
and-track of moving targets, synthetic aperature radar and terrain avoidance. The Su-37 is
also equipped with a rearward facing radar in the tail stinger area of the fuselage. The Su-
37 features fly-by-wire and relaxed static instability, which along with 3D thrust
vectoring give the aircraft tremendous agility. It incorporates state of the art ECM in
wing-tip pods, allowing improved survivability in electronic warfare environments. The
Su-37 can carry air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons on 12 stations. The number of
missiles and bombs carried can be increased to 14 with the use of multi-payload racks.
Sukhoi used payments earned in the sale of an Su-27 license to China to finance the Su-
37 development. Russia's Air Force has not ordered any Su-37s. Sukhoi is studying the
possibility of developing a two-seat version of the Su-37 with enhanced strike
capabilities.
Specifications
Builder Sukhoi
Role Multi-role fighter
Similar Aircraft
Wing Span 15.16 m / 49 ft 9 in
Length 21.94 m / 72 ft
Height 6.84 m / 22 ft 5 in
Weight 40,565 lb empty / 74,956 lb max. take off
Two Lyulka AL-37FU vectored-thrust afterburning
Engine turbofans, 30,855 lb thrust each
Maximum speed 2,440 km/h / 1,516 mph
Cruising speed
Range 3,500 km / 2,175 miles
Service Ceiling 59,000 ft
One GSh-30-1 30mm cannon, plus up to 18,075 lb
including R-73/R-77 AAMs, ASMs, bombs, rockets,
Armament
drop tanks, and ECM pods carried on fourteen external
points
Crew 1
Cost
User Countries under development for Russia
S-37 Berkut
The S-37 Berkut [Golden Eagle] is a testbed for developing technologies for the next
generation of aircraft. The basic dimensions and weight of the S-37 "Berkut" are similar
to those of Su-37, although they are different aircraft, and the tail, nose and canopy are
similar to those of the Su-35. The first two prototypes of this aircraft were evidently
designated the S-32, and the S-37 designation was previously applied to an unrelated
fighter project for a smaller delta wing single aircraft that was cancelled due to lack of
funding.
The S-37 features forward-swept wings, which promises a range of benefits in

aerodynamics at subsonic speeds and at high angles of attack. The forward-swept wing,
which enables the aircraft to increase its range and its manoeuvrability at high altitude,
makes extensive use of composite materials. The aircraft has large canards mounted on
the intake side, close to the leading edge of the wing. The vertical stabilizers are canted
slightly outward [not inward, as previously believed], and two large auxiliary intake
doors are visible on the center fuselage section. It is still unclear which engines are used
on this aircraft. The two powerplants are at the moment D-30F6 turbojets which are
normaly used at the MiG-31M, while the second prototype uses the Ljulka AL-37FU
turbojet with thrust vectoring. The S-37 is an experimental programme for developing
fifth-generation technologies, and any decision on serial production of this aircraft would
be taken by the Ministry of Defence at a later date.
Specifications
Builder Sukhoi
Role
Similar Aircraft
Wingspan: 15.16 m - 16.7 m
Length overall: 22.2 m - 22.6 m
Height overall 6.36 m - 6.40 m
Weight empty, 24,000 kg (52,910 lb) -- 26000 kg (57,320 lb)
equipped :
Max T-O weight : 34,000 kg (74,960 lb)
2 Perm Aviadvigatel D-30F6 (34,170 lbst), or
2 Saturn/Lyul'ka AL-37FU afterburning 142.2 kN
Engines:
(31,966 lb st) with afterburning
thrust-vectoring in pitch -20o to 20o at 30o per second
Max level speed at 2,500km/h (1,350 knots)
height :
Max level speed at
1,400km/h (756 knots)
S/L :
Service ceiling : 18,000 m (59,050 ft)
Range with max fuel
1,782 nm (3,300 km/2,050 miles)
at height :
Number of 14: 2 wingtip, 6-8 underwing, 6-4 conformal
hardpoints: underfuselage
Air-to-air : R-77, R-77PD, R-73, K-74
X-29T, X-29L, X-59M, X-31P, X-31A, KAB-500,
Air-to-surface:
KAB-1500
Crew: 1
User Countries
MiG-15 FAGOT (MIKOYAN-
GUREVICH)
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 was originally developed in the Soviet Union as an
interceptor. The RD-45 turbojet powered it, which was a copy of the Rolls Royce Nene.
Designed to shoot down heavy bombers, it carried one 37mm and two 23mm cannons.
German experience in WWII had shown the need for cannons larger than 20 mm to bring
down four-engine heavy bombers.
The prototype MiG-15 first flew in December 1947. It began appearing in service in 1949
and by 1952 it had been provided to a number of Communist satellite nations, including
North Korea where it was used extensively against United Nations forces. The MiG-15
was deployed against American Air Forces in December of 1950 in Korea. On November
8, 1950, 1st Lt. Russell Brown, flying an F-80, shot down a MiG-15 in the first all-jet
dogfight in history. It was apparent, however, that the MiG-15 was superior to any
aircraft then in the US inventory.
Initial encounters with American aircraft led to the development of the MiG-15bis
(improved). Its VK-1 engine had 1,000 lbs more thrust than the RD-45 engine of the
earlier version, and had hydraulic ailerons. Although the MiG-15bis could climb faster
and higher than the F-86, poor turning performance and high mach instability limited its
dogfight performance. In aerial combat against the F-86, the MiG-15 suffered high
losses, but against the B-29 it was very effective and prevented the heavy bombers from
operating in daylight
Specifications
Span 33 ft. 1 1/2 in.
Length 33 ft. 3 5/8 in.
Height 11 ft. 2 in.
Weight 11,270 lbs. max.
Two 23mm cannons and one 37mm cannon, plus
Armament rockets or 2,000 lbs. of bombs
VK-1 of 6,000 lbs. thrust (copy of British Rolls-Royce
Engine
"Nene" engine)
Maximum speed 670 mph.
Cruising speed 525 mph.
Range 500 miles
Service Ceiling 51,000 ft.
J-4
MiG-17 FRESCO
J-5 FRESCO
The design of the MiG-17 was undertaken to correct the deficiencies that the earlier MiG-
15 had at higher speeds. It was the first Soviet fighter to have an afterburning engine, the
Klimov VK-1.
In 1949, the Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) design bureau began work on a new fighter to
replace the MiG-15. Two features of the aircraft were a thinner wing of greater sweep
and a redesigned tail that improved stability and handling at speeds approaching Mach 1
(speed of sound). Although similar in appearance to the MiG-15, the MiG-17 has more
sharply swept wings, an afterburner, better speed and handling characteristics and is
about three feet longer. The wings of the aircraft are mid-mounted, swept-back, and
tapered with blunt tips. They have wide wing roots. The engine is one turbojet inside the
body and has a round air intake in the nose. It has a single, small exhaust. The fuselage is
short, thick, cigar-shaped and tapered to the rear. It has a blunt nose and bubble canopy.
The tail fin is swept-back and tapered with rounded tip. Flats are high-mounted on the tail
fin, swept-back, and tapered. Flats and fin overhang the exhaust.
The prototype MiG-17 (NATO code name Fresco) first flew in January 1950 and was
reported to have exceeded Mach 1 in level flight. Production began in late 1951, but the
aircraft were not available in sufficient quantities to take part in the Korean War.
Deliveries to the Soviet Air Force began in 1952. Five versions of the aircraft eventually
were produced. Early production MiG-17s were fitted with the VK-1 engine, a Soviet
copy of the Rolls-Royce Nene. The VK-1F, an improved version with a simple
afterburner and variable nozzle, was developed for the main production version, the MiG-
17F (Fresco C). In 1955 the radar equipped MiG-17PF (Fresco D) entered service as a
limited all-weather interceptor. The MiG-17PFU was armed with four AA-1 "Alkali"
radar-guided missiles, making it the Soviet Union's first missile armed interceptor. Even
though it was considered obsolete by the mid-1960s, the MiG-17 gave a good account
over Vietnam, being flown by most of the top North Vietnamese pilots, including the
leading ace, Colonel Tomb.
The MiG-17 served with nearly 30 air forces worldwide, including the Soviet Union,
Warsaw Pact countries, China, Afghanistan, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Morocco,
Cuba, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Though smaller than the USAF F-86 Sabre of Korean
War fame, its weight and performance favorably compared to that aircraft. Soviet
production of the MiG-17 ended in 1958 with over 6,000 produced. It continued to be
built under license in Poland as the Lim-5P and in China as the J-5/F-4. China's first
reproduced jet fighter plane, the J-5, successfully flew in Shenyang for the first time on
19 July 1956, and General Nie Rongzhen went in person to Shenyang to offer
congratulations.
Specifications
MiG-19 Farmer
G.91Y
Similar Aircraft
Su-17 Fitter,
MiG-21 Fishbed
Crew One
fighter
Role
bomber
Payload 650 kg
Length 36 ft, 5 in (11.1 m)
Span 31 ft, 7 in (9.64 m)
Height 12 feet, 6 inches
Weight 14,770 lbs
3 NR-23 23mm Cannon
4 8x57mm rocket pods or
Armament
2 type 250kg bombs (729nm)
2 400 L drop tanks (936)
One Valer Klimov VK-1 turbojet with 5,952 lbs. of
Engine thrust
J-5 = Wopen TJ license-built Kilmov VK-1FTJ
Maximum speed 696 mph
Range 1,290 miles
Service Ceiling 52,366 feet / 15850 meters
Sensors None
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
User Countries Angola
Congo
Cuba
Ethiopia
Guinea Republic
Guinea-Bissau
Madagascar
Mali
Mongolia
North Korea (J-5)
North Yemen
People’s Republic of China (J-5)
Romania
Sri Lanka
Somalia
South Yemen
Sudan
Tanzania
Vietnam
MiG-19 FARMER
J-6 / F-6
The MiG-19 Farmer was the first supersonic fighter built in the former USSR. The MiG-
19 prototype made its first flight in September 1953 and was placed into production in
1955. It was the Soviet Union's primary fighter during the last half of the 1950's. Possibly
as many as 10,000 MiG-19's, in various versions, were built by the Soviet Union, China,
Poland, and Czechoslovakia. About 2,000 have been built in the People’s Republic of
China. Many other countries used the MiG-19, including Cuba, North Vietnam, North
Korea, Iraq, and most of the Warsaw Pact nations. The Soviet Union phased out the MiG-
19 in the early 1960s in favor of the more advanced MiG-21. However, the MiG-19
continued to be used by the other nations for many more years.
The F-6 (Jianjiji-6 Fighter aircraft 6) is the Chinese version of the MiG-19, which as of
the mid-1990s was still in production in China. The J-6, which began flight tests in 1958,
was China's first supersonic jet fighter. The F-6 has six attachment points for external
stores (three on each wing). The outboard wing stations can carry a 250 kg bomb. The
outboard wing stations can also carry a 760 or 400 liter drop tank or the CAA-1b AAM.
The inboard wing stations can carry practice bombs or rocket pods with either 8 x 57mm,
16 x 57mm, or 7 x 90mm rockets.
The aircraft's wings are mid-mounted, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. There are
wing fences and wide wing roots. There are two turbojet engines mounted inside the
body and a single, round air intake in the nose. Note that what appears to be a single air
intake is actually separated on the inside with each engine drawing air from its own
intake. Two aircraft that have a single air intake with two engines are the Lightning and
the G.91Y. There are dual exhausts. The fuselage is long, tube-shaped, and tapers slightly
to the blunt nose and widens to the exhausts. There is a bubble canopy well forward on
the nose. The tail fin is sharply swept-back and tapered with blunt tips. Flats high-
mounted on the fuselage and swept-back with blunt tips.
Specifications
Countries of Origin Russia & China
Mikoyan-Gurevich [Russia] @ Gorki & Novosibirsk
Builder
??? Aircraft [China]
Similar Aircraft MiG-17 Fresco
Crew one
interceptor
Role
capable of attacking ground targets
Length 42 ft, 11 in (13.1 m)
Span 29 ft, 6 in (9 m)
Height 12 ft. 0 in.
Weight 9,040kg (loaded)
Two Tumansky RD-9 turbojets with 7,165 lbs. thrust
Engine
ea. (with afterburner)
Maximum speed 900 mph / 1,450 km/h/ Mach 1.35
Cruising speed 590 mph /950 km/h / Mach 0.9
425 mi / 685 km radius hi-lo-hi w/ drop tanks
Range
1,400 mi / 2,200 km ferry range
800 L drop tank with 639kg of fuel for 138nm range
Drop Tanks 1140 L drop tank with 911kg of fuel for 197nm
range
Payload
2 or 3 NR-30mm Cannon
2 Type 1 250 kg bombs or
Armament 8x57 rocket pod and 2 800 L drop tanks (923nm)
2 PL-2 AAM and 2 1140 L drop tanks (1029nm)
2 ARS 212 rockets and 2 800 L drop tanks (923 nm)
Sensors Izmrud radar, RWR, Basic bombsight
Albania (J-6)
Bangladesh (J-6)
Burma (J-6)
Cambodia (F-6)
Cuba
Egypt
User Countries
North Korea (J-6)
Pakistan (J-6)
People’s Republic of China (J-6)
Sudan
Tanzania
Zambia
J-6
MiG-21 FISHBED
J-7 (Jianjiji-7) / F-7
YF-110
The MiG-21F is a short-range day fighter-interceptor and the first major production
version of the popular MiG-21 series. It is but one of many versions of this aircraft that
have served in the air arms of many nations around the world. The E-5 prototype of the
MiG-21 was first flown in 1955 and made its first public appearance during the Soviet
Aviation Day display at Moscow's Tushino Airport in June 1956. During the Vietnam
War, MiG-21s were often used against U.S. aircraft. Between April 26, 165, and January
8, 1973, USAF F-4s and B-52s downed 68 MiG-21s. More than 30 countries of the
world-including nations friendly to the U.S. -have flown the MiG-21. At least 15 versions
of the MiG-21 have been produced, some outside the Soviet Union. Estimates place the
number built at more than 8,000, a production total exceeding that of any other modern
jet aircraft.
The Soviets licenced the manufacture of the MiG-21F and its engine to China in 1961,
and assembly of the first J-7 (Jianjiji-7 Fighter aircraft 7) using Chinese-made
components began early 1964. The first flight of the Shenyang-built J-7 came on 17
January 1966, and Chengdu production of the J-7-I began in June 1967. Neither version
was produced in large numbers. Subsequent modifications included development of the J-
7-II / J-7B which began in 1975 with production approved in September 1979.
Development of F-7M and J-7 III started in 1981. The J-7 III is the Chinese equivalent of
MiG-21MF. Substantially reworked from the J-7 II, the J-7 III first flight occured on 26
April 1984. Jointly developed by Chengdu and Guizhou (GAIC), the J-7 III entered PLA
Air Force and Navy service beginning in 1992, with production continuing thereafter.
Other development efforts extended through the F-7M Airguard which received a
production go-ahead in December 1984. In 1988 China delivered the first 20 of 60 F-7M
Skybolts to Pakistan. As upgrades, Karachi reportedly was leaning to a totally indigenous
Chinese aircraft over the Grumman-influenced Sabre II, or F-7P. Development of the
"Super 7" upgrade was terminated with the end of American technical assistance
following the Tienanmen repression of 1989.
The aircraft has mid-mounted delta wings with small square tips. There is one turbojet
inside the body. There is a small round air intake in the nose. There is a single exhaust.
The fuselage is a long, tubular body with a blunt nose and bubble canopy. There is one
belly fin under the rear section. There is a large dorsal spine flush with the canopy. The
tail fin swept-back and tapered with a square tip. The flats are mid-mounted on the body,
swept-back, and tapered with square tips. The J-7FS modification adds a radar to a
reconfigured air intake, while the "Super 7" upgrade would have completely reworked the
front end of the aircraft, adding a much larger radar and ventral air inlets, along with
various other less pronounced improvements.
By 1989 Chinese production was running at a rate of as much as 14 aircraft per month,
primarily for export. The J-7 aircraft was the most widely produced Chinese fighter,
replacing older J-6 fighters, the Chinese version of the MiG-19. In 1995 it was projected
that J-7 production would continue for at least another decade, resulting in a total
inventory of nearly 1000 aircraft by 2005, but in fact the PLAAF inventory has remained
static since then at about 500 aircraft, suggesting that production has either been
suspended or terminated.
MiG-21 aircraft acquired by the United States under the Foreign Materiel
Acquisition/Exploitation program are designated as the YF-110.
Specifications
Countries Russia / China
of Origin
Mikoyan-Gurevich [Russia]
Builder
Xian Aircraft [China] @ Shenyang, Chengdu & Guizhou
MiG-21F Fishbed C
MiG-21PF Fishbed D
MiG-21PFM Fishbed F
MiG-21R Fishbed H
MiG-21S Fishbed H
MiG-21RF Fishbed H
MiG-21SM Fishbed J
MiG-21M (Type 96/Hindustan Aeronautics-India)
MiG-21PFMA Fishbed J
MiG-21MF Fishbed J
MiG-21SMT Fishbed K
Variants
MiG-21SMB Fishbed K
MiG-21bis-A Fishbed L
MiG-21bis-B Fishbed N
MiG-21U Mongol A
MiG-21US Mongol B
MiG-21UM Mongol B
J-7 / F-7 Fishbed
J-7 II / F-7B Fishbed
J-7 III Fishbed
F-7M Airguard
F-7P Skybolt
Fitters, all models,
Similar
Mirage III/5,
Aircraft
A-4 Skyhawk
Ground-attack
Role interceptor,
trainer
Span 23 ft. 6 in.
Length 51 ft. 9 in.
Height 15 ft. 9 in.
Weight 18,080 lbs. max.
MiG-21 = Tumansky R-11F-300 @ 12,675 lbst w/afterburner
Engines J-7 III = Wopen-13 turbofan @ 14,550-lbst
Crew One
Maximum
1,300 mph.
speed
Cruising 550 mph.
speed
MIG-21 = 400 mi range
MIG-21bis = 600 nm range
J-7 = 230 mi / 370 km lo-lo-lo radius
J-7B = 375 mi / 600 km radius w/ 2 PL-2 AAM + internal fuel
J-7B = 450 mi / 750 km radius w/ 2 PL-2 AAM + drop tanks
Range J-7M = 550 mi / 875 km radius w/ 2 PL-2 AAM + drop tanks
J-7 III = 525 mi / 850 km radius hi-hi-hi air superiority w/ 2 AAM + drop
tanks
J-7 III = 340 mi / 550 km radius lo-lo-hi ground attack w/ 2 bombs + drop
tanks
J-7 III = 1,350 mi / 2,200 km ferry range
Service 50,000 ft / 14000 meters
Ceiling
2277 kg MIG-21pfs
Internal 2364 kg MIG-21bis
Fuel
869 kg J-8
In-Flight
No
Refueling
MIG-21bis = Drop tank with 391kg of fuel for 51nm range
Drop MIG-21bis = Drop tank with 631kg of fuel for 80nm range
Tanks MIG-21bis = Drop tank with 391kg of fuel for 50nm range
J-7 = 800 l drop tank with 639kg of fuel for 111nm range
Take-Off F-7M = 700-950 m (2,300-3,120 ft)
Runway J-7 III = 800 m (2,625 ft) with afterburning
Landing F-7M = 600-900 m (1,970-2,955 ft) with brake-chute
Runway J-7 III = 550 m (1,805 ft) with flap blowing, drag-chute and brakes
MIG-21pfs = Spin Scan (R1L) radar, RWR, Balistic bombsight MIG-21bis =
Sensors Jay Bird radar, RWR, Balistic bombsight
J-7 = Type 222 ranging radar, RWR, Ballistic bombsight
One NR-30 30mm cannon plus
Armamen MIG-21pfs = K-13 AA-2 atoll, FAB-500, FAB-250, UV-16-67 rocket pods
t MIG-21bis = UV-69 57 rocket pods, AA-8 Aphid, FAB-250, FAB-500
J-7 = 2 PL-2 or PL-7 AAM and 1 800 L drop tank (685 nm)
User Afghanistan Cuba Kazakhstan Romania
Countries Albania (J-7) Czech Republic Laos Slovakia
Algeria Republic Libya South Yemen
Angola Egypt Madagascar Sri Lanka
Azerbiajan Ethiopia Mali Sudan
Bangladesh Finland Mongolia Syria
Bulgaria Germany Mozambique Tanzania
Burma Gunea Nigeria Vietnam
Cambodia Hungary North Korea Yugoslavia
China (J-7) India North Yemen Zambia
Congo Iran Pakistan (J-7) Zimbebwe
Croatia Iraq Poland
J-7 (Jianjiji-7 Fighter aircraft 7) / F-7
F-7FS
F-7P Sabre II "Super 7"
MiG-23 FLOGGER
YF-113
Meant as a point defense fighter, the Flogger offered a powerful radar, an infrared search
and track system, a selection of radar and infrared guided weapons and tremendous speed
(Mach 2.35) to counter its adversaries. The MiG-23 was designed in 1964-66 as a
successor to the MiG-21. In addition to a much more powerful engine, the MiG-23's most
significant new feature was its variable sweep wing. Like the USAF's swing wing F-111,
the sweep of the wings could be changed in flight. Fully spread, this gives a shorter
takeoff/landing roll while carrying a heavier weapons load. With the wings fully swept
back, the MiG-23 has greater speed. The wing has three sweep settings: 16, 45, and 72
degrees. The prototype first flew in April 1967 and MiG-23s began entering operational
service in 1971.
The aircraft is in widespread use in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The MiG-23/27
FLOGGER series of aircraft has been used extensively by the former Soviet Union and
its Warsaw Pact allies including Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, East Germany, Rumania,
and Czechoslovakia. Other countries including Libya, Syria, Egypt, India, Cuba, Algeria,
Iraq, Afghanistan and North Korea have imported FLOGGERS.
The MiG-23 series served as fighter-interceptors, with a secondary capability of ground

attack. The MiG-23BN and MiG-27 were fighter-bomber variations. The Flogger B is a
standard interceptor. Other versions of this aircraft are: C--two seater; G--improved
interceptor; and E--export. The MiG-23MLD FLOGGER K version was a modification
of the MiG23ML FLOGGER G and incorporated improved avionics, armament, and
aerodynamic features. The MiG-23MLD is the most advanced version of the Flogger. It
features a different identification-friend-or-foe system, a more advanced missile
capability and a distinctive notch in the leading edge of the wing to improve flight
characteristics. More than 4,000 MiG-23/27s are estimated to have been built.
The wings are high-mounted, variable, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. There is
one turbofan engine inside the body. There are rectangular, box-like air intakes forward
of the wing roots and a single exhaust. The fuselage is long and tubular, except where
intakes give a box-like appearance. It has a long, pointed nose and a stepped canopy.
There is a large, swept-back, and tapered belly fin under the rear section. The tail is
swept-back, has a tapered tail fin, has a curved dorsal in the leading edge and an angular
tip. Swept-back, tapered flats have angular tips and are high-mounted on the fuselage.
MiG-23 aircraft acquired by the United States under the Foreign Materiel
Acquisition/Exploitation program are designated as the YF-113.
Specifications
MiG-23M Flogger B
MiG-23MF Flogger B
MiG-23UB Flogger C
MiG-23UM Flogger C
MiG-23MF Flogger E
MiG-23MS Flogger E
MiG-23BN Flogger F
Variants MiG-23BM Flogger F
MiG-23B Flogger F
MiG-23ML Flogger G
MiG-23P Flogger G
MiG-23BK Flogger H
MiG-23BN Flogger H
MiG-23MLD Flogger K
MiG-24 (export MiG-23)
MiG-27 Flogger D
Tornado
Similar Aircraft
Su-24 Fencer
F-111
one
Crew MiG-23U -- two
MiG-23C -- two
interceptor
Role
fighter
Span 46 ft, 9 in (14.26 m)
Cruise range 970 nm
Payload 2000 kg
Sensors High Lark radar, RWR, IRST, Basic Bombsight
Armament Cannon: GSh-23L 23mm
AS-7 Kerry, UV-16-57, FAB-500, AA-7, ,AA-8, AA-
10, AA-11
User Countries Afghanistan
Algeria
Angola
Belarus
Bulgaria
CIS
Cuba
Czech Republic
Germany
Ethiopia
Hungary
India
Iraq
Kazakhstan
Libya
North Korea
Poland
Romania
South Yemen
Sudan
Syria
Ukraine
Vietnam
MiG-25 FOXBAT (MIKOYAN-
GUREVICH)
The Foxbat is a high-performance, high-altitude interceptor. There are several versions of
this aircraft: A--basic interceptor; B--reconnaissance; C--two-seat trainer; D--
reconnaissance with a modified radar; and E. The FOXBAT A aircraft, originally
designed to counter high-altitude threats, has been converted to FOXBAT E, providing a
limited low-altitude look-down and shoot-down capabilities somewhat comparable to
FLOGGER. The wings are high-mounted, swept-back, and tapered with square tips. The
aircraft has two turbojet engines and large rectangular air intakes below the canopy and
forward of the wing roots. There are dual exhaust. The fuselage is long and slender with
solid, pointed nose. The aircraft is box-like from the air intakes to rear section. It has a
bubble canopy. On the tail are twin, sweptback, and tapered fins with angular tips. There
are flats mid- to low-mounted on fuselage, swept-back, and tapered with angular tips.
Specifications
MiG-25P Foxbat A
MiG-25RB Foxbat B
MiG-25RBV Foxbat B
MiG-25BBT Foxbat B
MiG-25R Foxbat B
MiG-25PU Foxbat C
MiG-25RU Foxbat C
Variants MiG-25U Foxbat C
MiG-25RBK Foxbat D
MiG-25RBS Foxbat D
MiG-25RBSh Foxbat D
MiG-25RBF Foxbat D
MiG-25PD Foxbat E
MiG-25PDS Foxbat E
MiG-25BM Foxbat F
F-14 Tomcat
Similar Aircraft F-15 Eagle
MiG-31 Foxhound
Crew One
intercepter
Role
reconnaissance
Span 41 ft (12.6 m)
Cruise range 1560 nm
Payload
Sensors Foxfire radar
Drop Tanks na
AA-6 Acrid
Armament AA-7 Apex
AA-8 Aphid
Algeria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bulgaria
User Countries
CIS
Iraq
Syria
Ukraine
MiG-27 FLOGGER D, J (MIKOYAN-
GUREVICH)
The MiG-27 Flogger D/J production was completed in the mid 1980’. They are flown by
the former soviet tactical air force and naval aviation. The MiG-27 Flogger M, named
Bahadur (Valiant) is built in India and is still being manufactured today.
The wings are high-mounted, variable, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. There is
one engine inside the body and rectangular box-like air intakes forward of the wing roots.
There is a single exhaust. The fuselage is long and tubular, except where air intakes give
a box-like appearance. The aircraft has a long, downward-sloping, sharply pointed nose
and a stepped canopy. There is a large, swept-back, and tapered belly fin under the rear
section. The tail is swept-back and tapered tail fin with curved dorsal in leading edge and
angular tip. The swept-back and tapered flats high-mounted on the fuselage with angular
tips.
Specifications
MiG-23 Flogger B/E/G
F-111
Tornado
Similar Aircraft Su-24 Fencer
Mirage F1
Super Etendard
Jaguar
Crew One
ground-attack
Role
fighter
Span 46 ft, 9 in (14.26 m)
Cruise range 950 nm
Payload 3500 kg
Sensors LRMTS, RWR, Advanced Bombsight
Drop Tanks 800 L drop tank with 639kg for 66nm range
Cannon: GSh-6-N-30 30mm rotary
Armament AS-12, AS-14, AA-8, ECN Pod, UV-32-57 rocket pod,
AA-8 Aphid, FAB-500
Belarus
CIS
User Countries
India
Kazakhstan
MiG-29 FULCRUM (MIKOYAN-
GUREVICH)
The MiG-29 is marketed worldwide and equals or surpasses the F-15C in several areas.
The MiG-29's wings are swept-back and tapered with square tips. LERXs are wide and
curved down to the front. LERX begins on the nose below the mid-mount point, and the
wings’ trailing edges end at a high-mounted point. Twin jet engines are mounted low and
to the sides of the fuselage. Diagonal-shaped air intakes give a box-like appearance.
There is a large exhausts. The fuselage is made of a long, thin, slender body with long,
pointed drooping nose. There is a high-mounted bubble canopy. The tail fins have
sharply tapered leading edges, canted outward with angular, cutoff tips. Flats are high-
mounted on the fuselage, movable, swept-back, and tapered with a negative slant.
The MiG-29 is a widely exported aircraft, flown by Iraq, Iran, North Korea and Cuba.
The MiG-29 has a few advantages over its more electronically advanced American
counterparts. At about 40 miles apart, the American planes have the advantage because of
avionics. At 10 miles the advantage is turning to the MiG. At five miles out, because of
the MiG weapons sight and better maneuverability, the advantage is to the MiG. The
weapons sight is a helmet-mounted system that allows the missile to follow the line of
sight of the pilot's helmet. Where the pilot looks is where it goes.
The US Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of
Defense of the Republic of Moldova reached an agreement to implement the Cooperative
Threat Reduction accord signed on June 23, 1997, in Moldova. The Pentagon pounced on
the planes after learning Iran had inspected the jets and expressed an interest in adding
them to their inventory. Although Iran already flies the less-capable Fulcrum A, it doesn't
own any of the more advanced C-models. Of the 21 Fulcrums the United States bought,
14 are the frontline Fulcrum C's, which contain an active radar jammer in its spine, six
older A's and one B-model two-seat trainer. This agreement authorized the United States
Government to purchase nuclear-capable MiG-29 fighter planes from the Government of
Moldova. This is a joint effort by both Governments to ensure that these dual-use military
weapons do not fall into the hands of rogue states. From Oct. 20 to Nov. 2, 1997,
loadmasters and aerial port experts squeezed two MiGs apiece, sans wings and tails, into
the cargo holds of C-17 Globemaster III transports from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.
The Charleston airlifters delivered the MiGs to the National Air Intelligence Center at
Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. If the NAIC can discover how the Fulcrum
works, Air Force pilots might gain an edge if they face the Fulcrum in future combat.
The MiG-29K was initiated in 1984 as a Russian Air Force development program for a
multi-role fighter, and in 1989 - 1991 the MiG-29K underwent tests aboard the Admiral
Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying cruiser. The MiG-29K differed from the MiG-29 production
model, featuring a new multi-function radar, dubbed Zhuk; a cabin with monochrome
display and use of the HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) principle; the RVV-AE air-
to-air active homing missiles; antiship and antiradar missiles; as well as air-to-ground
precision-guided weapons. The MiG-29K program was revived in response to the
decision of the Indian Navy to acquire the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier. This called
for the provision of the ship with a multi-role ship-based arrested- landing fighter of the
MiG-29K size. The ship's combat group will include 12 MiG-29K planes. The aircraft
has a remote control system, large-area (42 m2 vs 38 m2) folding wing, adjustable center-
line air intakes with retractable screens protecting the engines during operation from
ground airfields, reinforced landing gear, hook, corrosion- protected reinforced fuselage
made specifically for deck-based aircraft.
Specifications
F/A-18 Hornet
F-16 Fighting Falcon
Similar Aircraft
F-15 Eagle
Su-27 Flanker
MANUFACTURER Moscow Air Production Organization
all-weather
TYPE single-seat counter-air fighter
attack capability
Crew One
Power Plant Two Klimov/Sarkisov RD-33 turbofans
Thrust 22,200 pounds
Wingspan 36 feet and 5 inches
Height 15 feet and 6.25 inches
Length 56 feet and 10 inches
Weight (empty): 24,030 pounds
Maximum Speed Mach 2.3, 1,520 mph
Cruise range 905 nm
Internal Fuel 4000kg
Payload 4000kg
Sensors Slot Back radar, IRST,RWR, Balistic bombsight
Drop tank with 800kg of fuel for 90 nm range
Drop Tanks
Ferry tank with 1500kg of fuel for 255nm range
Armament One 30mm GSh-30L cannon with 150 rounds
Six AAMs including a mix of SARH and
AA- 8 Aphid (R60)
AA-10 Alamo (R27T)
AA-11 Archer (R73)
FAB 500-M62, FAB-1000, TN-100, ECM Pods, S-
24
AS-12, AS-14
User Countries Russia
Belarus
Bulgaria
CIS
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Germany
Hungary
India
Iran
Iraq
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Moldova
North Korea
Poland
Romania
Slovakia
Syria
Turkemenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
Yemen
Yugoslavia
MiG-31 FOXHOUND (MIKOYAN-
GUREVICH)
The most capable Russian air defense interceptor aircraft, the FOXHOUND has a
multiple-target engagement capability and was the first Soviet fighter to have a true look-
down, shoot-down capability. The key to the MiG-31's effectiveness is the SBI-16 Zaslon
fixed phased array antenna radar, codenamed 'Flash Dance' by NATO, which is said to be
the world's most powerful fighter radar. The new Soloviev D-30F6 engine was specified
for the MiG-31 in order to improve range, the key performance parameter for which an
improvement over the MiG-25 was demanded. By 1987 over 150 FOXHOUNDs were
operationally deployed at several locations from the Arkhangelsk area in the
northwestern USSR to the Soviet Far East. The FOXHOUND is dedicated to the
homeland air defense mission. The FOXHOUND carries the long-range AA-9 air-to-air
missiles, and can engage 4 different targets simuitaneouly with the M-9.
The wings of the aircraft are high-mounted and swept-back with square tips and a
negative slant. There are four underwing pylons. There are two turbofan engines in the
fuselage. There are rectangular and diagonal cut air intakes on sides of the fuselage. The
exhausts extend beyond the tail plane. The fuselage is rectangular from the intakes to the
exhausts and has a long, pointed nose. The aircraft has a bubble canopy. The tail fins are
back-tapered with angular tips and canted outward. The flats are swept-back and tapered
and mid- to low-mounted on the body.
In 1992 the Chinese reached agreement with the Russian Federation to buy 24 MiG-31
Foxhound long-range interceptors. The MiG-31s were expected to be assembled at a
newly set-up factory in Shenyang, with production at a rate of four per month expected
by 2000. The last aircraft was to be delivered by the year 2000. According to some
reports the agreement included a license to build as many as 700 aircraft, and some
projection envisioned that at least 200 would actually be deployed by the year 2010.
The first stage of tests of the upgraded MiG-31BM high-speed multifunctional long-
range jet fighter were completed in mid-1999. The main difference between the MiG-31P
(Foxhound, according to the NATO classification) and the new MiG-31BM
multifunctional air strike system is that the latter is capable of destroying both air and
ground targets. The designers and manufacturers of the MiG-31 hope that the new
modification will result in international sales. The upgraded MiG-31BM is fitted with a
powerful onboard computer system and a radar with a phased array which will allow the
pilot to simultaneously activate the air-to-air and air-to-surface missile fire modes. When
working with air targets, the MiG-31BM is capable of intercepting up to 24 targets
simultaneously.
Specifications
MiG-25 Foxbat
F-15 Eagle
Crew Two
interceptor
Role
air superiority
Span 45 ft, 9 in (14 m)
Height: 6.60 m
Wing span: 14.02 m
Wing area: 61.41 sq m
Maximum speed: Mach 2.83
Weight: (empty) 22,000 kg
Weight: (normal) 36,720 kg
Two Tumanski R-15BD-300
Powerplant: afterburning turbojets rated at
49.78kN each
Maximum Range: 1,250 km
Service ceiling: 20,700 m
Rate of climb: 8 min 54 sec to 20,000 m
Cruise range 1620 nm
Internal Fuel 14200kg
Drop Tanks 2000L drop tank with 1600kg of fuel for 91 nm range
Sensors LD/SD TWS radar, possible IRST, RWR
Armament cannon
R-33 AA-9 Amos
AA-11 Archer
Typically
two R-40 missiles

Four R-60 missiles
MiG-35 / 1.42 Multirole Front-Line
Fighter [MFI]
The new MiG Multirole Front-Line Fighter [MFI - Mnogofounksionalni Frontovoi
Istrebiel ] was unveiled publicly on 12 January 1999. The project has been under
development since 1986, is variously designated the 1.42, the 1.44, I-42 and I-44 - the
"MiG-35" and "MiG-39" designations are informally applied by some observers. This
multi-functional front-line fifth-generation fighter was developed by the MIG [Mikoyan
& Gurevich] aviation scientific and production complex of the MAPO military-industrial
corporation. The first prototype was delivered early in 1994, and in December 1884 taxi-
tests were conducted following which further work was suspended due to a shortage of
funds. The 35-ton fighter features a single under-fuselage air intake with two AL41F
engines of 20 tons thrust each, and a top speed of over 2,500 km/h. The twin-tail "duck"
planform features an all-moving canard-type foreplane with a wingspan of about 15
meters and a length of about 20 meters.
The MAPO-MiG enterprise claims the new fighter would be able to outperform the F-22
Raptor, the most advanced US air-superiority fighter. Although the primary mission of
the MFI is air-superiority, unlike the F-22 the MFI is also capable of performing strike
mission, and thus in both conception and configuration is more directly comparable to the
similar multi-role EFA2000 Eurofighter. Like the American F-22, the MFI has a thrust
vectoring system that allows it to make sharp turns. It also has similar stealth capabilities,
with the canard, wing and fuselage structures incorporating carbon-fiber and polymer
composite materials. Other stealth features include radar-absorbing covering, screening
of radar-visible structure elements, and reduced heat signature. The fifth-generation
pulse-doppler radar has a phased-array andtenna with electronic scanning to
simultaneously attack over 20 targets. The aircraft can carry long-range air-to-air and air-
to-surface guided missiles, and it is armed with a 30-mm cannon.
In March 1997, military officials scrapped plans to manufacture the MFI because it was
too expensive. The Defense Ministry supports the MFI development program, and will
decide on production following flight tests that could take up to seven years. The Russian
air force will not gain one new, state-of-the-art warplane before the year 2005 because of
insufficient financing. No new warplanes have been acquired since 1996.
Specifications
Prime contractor MiG-MAPO
Nation of origin Russia
Function Multi-role fighter
Crew 1
First Flight 1999?
In-service year ?
Two Lyulka AL-41F vectored-thrust afterburning
Engine turbofans, 39,340 lb thrust each
Wing span 15 m / 49 ft 3 in
Length 19 m / 62 ft 4 in
Height 6 m / 19 ft 8 in
Canard span 5 m / 16 ft 5 in
33,069 lb empty /
Weight (approx.)
44,092 lb max. take off
Ceiling N/A
@ altitude: In excess of 2,448 km/h / 1,521 mph
Speed @ supercruise: In excess of 1,224 km/h / 760 mph
Range N/A
Armament Unknown but surely any AAMs in Russian arsenal
Yak-28 FIREBAR
Yak-28 Brewer
The Yak -28 first entered service in the early 1960s. Four variants saw extensive: the
Yak-28 attack version, the Yak-28P Firebar all-weather interceptor, the Yak-28R multi-
sensor reconnaissance aircraft, and the Yak-28U dual control trainer. The Yak-28P
Firebar interceptor was withdrawn in the 1980s.
The wings are high-mounted, swept-back, and untapered from the engines to the large
blunt tips. The wings have wide roots. There are two turbojet engines in pods under the
wings. The pods extend well beyond the wings’ leading and trailing edges. The fuselage
is long with pointed, glazed nose and is tapered to the rear section. There is a bubble
canopy and a belly fin under the rear section. The tail fin is swept-back and tapered with
a blunt tip. The tail flats are mid-mounted on the tail fin, swept-back, and tapered with
blunt tips.
Specifications
Builder YAKOVLEV
Similar Aircraft Il-28 Beagle
Crew Two
fighter-bomber
Role reconnaissance
EW Jammer - Yak-28 Brewer E
bombs
Armament cannons
rockets
Span 41 ft (12.06 m)
Cruise range 755 nm
Sensors Mushroom radar, ESM, Basic bombsight
Drop Tanks 1000 L slipper tank with 799kg of fuel for 53nm range
Armament 2 Chaff rocket pods or AS-9
CIS
User Country
Ukraine
Yak-36 Freehand
The Yak-36 Freehand was a twin-engined VTOL fighter. Vertical thrust was exhausted
through nozzles in the tail, each wing and from the front of the long probe on the nose.
The first flight was in September, 1963.
Specifications
Similar Aircraft
Crew One
Type Attack
Length
Span
Ceiling
Cruise range
In-Flight Refueling
Internal Fuel
Payload
Sensors
Drop Tanks
Armament
User County CIS
Yak-38 FORGER (YAKOVLEV)
Production of the Yak-38 Forger began in 1975 making it the world’s second operational
VSTOL aircraft, after the Harrier series. The aircraft's wings are mid-mounted, delta-
shaped with blunt tips and a negative slant. There is one turbo engine and two lift jets.
There are two exhausts on the bottom of the rear fuselage. Large, semicircular air intakes
are below the cockpit well forward of the wings. The fuselage is long and has a pointed
nose and tapered tail section. The Yak-38 has a bubble canopy. The tail is swept-back
and the tail fin is tapered with a square angular tip and a small step in the leading edge.
Flats are mid-mounted on the body, swept-back, and tapered with a negative slant.
Specifications
AV-8B Harrier II
Super Etendard
Similar Aircraft
Fantan A
Mirage F1
One
Crew
Forger B—two
Type Attack
Span 24 ft, 7 in (7.5 m)
Cruise range 12200 meters
Payload 1362 kg
Ranging radar, laser rangefinder, nose IR sensor
Sensors
(possibly IRST). Advanced bombsight
Drop Tanks 600 L drop tank with 479kg for 42nm range
Armament AS-10, UV-32-57, FAB-500, AA-8
User County CIS
Yak-141 Freestyle
The Yak-141 (formerly Yak-41) was intended originally to replace Yak-38 for air
defence of Kiev class carriers/cruisers, with secondary attack capabilities. Designed for
carrier-borne operations as an air interceptor, close air combat, maritime and ground
attack aircraft, the Yak-141 has the same multi-mode radar as the MiG-29, although with
a slightly smaller antenna housed in the nose radome. It features a triplex full authority
digital fly-by-wire system.
The Yak-141 continues previous Soviet V/STOL principles, combining a lift and
propulsion jet with two fuselage mounted lift jets in tandem behind the cockpit, with
cruise power provided by a single Tumansky R-79 jet engine. The R-79 has a rear
lift/cruise nozzle which deflect down for take-off while the two lift engines have
corresponding rearward vector to ensure stability. The airframe makes extensive use of
composites materials, with some 28 percent by weight constructed of carbon-fibre,
primarily in the tail assembly, while the remainder of the structure is mainly aluminum
lithium alloys.
The project began in 1975, but was delayed by financial constraints as well as the
protracted development of the engine, which meant the prototype did not fly until March
1989. This development program was cancelled due to termination of Defence Ministry
funding. Yakolev OKB continued development in refined land-based and naval combat
aircraft forms. Four prototypes were built, two continuing in flight testing until 1995,
with the other two used for engine and structural testing. To facilitate sales of the Yak-
141, Yeltsin has issued decrees allowing tri- or quadripartite agreements with a number
of interested organizations in Latin America and Asia.
Specifications
Builder Yakovlev
Role air defence
Similar Aircraft
33ft 1 1/2in (10.105m);
Span
folded, 19ft 4 1/4in (5.9m)
wing area 341.56ft(2) (31.7m(2))
length overall 60ft 2 3/4in (18.36m)
height 16ft 4 1/4in (5m)
wheel track 9ft lOin (3m)
wheel base 22ft 9 1/4in (6.945m)
tailplane span 19ft 4 1/4in (5.9m)
Weights 25,684lb (11,650kg) Empty, equipped
34,833lb (15,800kg) VTO max take-off weight
42,990lb (19,500kg) STO max take-off weight
2,204lb (1,OOOkg) VTO max external load
Loads 5,732lb (2,600kg) STO max external load
3,858lb (1,750kg) max external fuel
30 mm cannon
AA-10 Alamo radar-guided medium-range AAM
Armament AA-11 Archer shortrange IR-guided missile
bombs
unguided rockets
limiting load factor 50% fuel, 7g.
Single pilot in a Zvezda K36V rocket-boosted zero-
Accommodation
zero ejection-seat.
One Kobchenko/Soyuz R-79-300 vectored-thrust
lift/cruise turbofan developing 34,170lb (15,500kg)
with afterburning for conventional take-off, or
Power Plant 23,148.5lb (10,500kg) dry,
plus
two Rybinsk RD- 41 turbofan lift engines each rated
at a maximum 9,039lb (4,100kg)
Max internal fuel
9,700lb (4,400kg)
capacity
675 kts (1,250km/hr) Max level speed, sea level
Maximum Speed 971 kts (1,800km/hr) at 36,089ft (11,OOOm)
M=1.8 max achievable Mach number
vertical climb rate 49,213ft/min (250m/sec)
service ceiling over 49,000ft (15,000m+)
351nm (650km) VTO range at sea level, no external
weapons
372nm (690km) with 4,409lb (2,000kg) weapon load
and take-off run of 394ft (120m)
combat radius 755nm (1,400km) at 32,808-39,370ft (10-12,000m)
1,133nm (2,100km) max range, with external fuel
and short take-off
755nm (1,400km) with vertical takeoff and internal
fuel
Cost
User Countries
AN-2 Colt
AN-3 Colt
Y-5 Colt
An-2 was initially developed as an agricultural aircraft. Hence, the initial project name
was SKh-1 (Selskoe Khozaistvo - Agriculture). First prototype flew on August 31, 1947.
The aircraft went in production in 1949 and over 5000 were built. China began producing
the AN-2 aircraft in the early 70s and it is still used by the North Korean military for
troop transport. The AN-2 Colt provides combat support and combat service support to
include reconnaissance, airborne or airland resupply as well as airborne insertion of
detachments. The crew consists of two pilots and can accomodate eight passengers. The
AN-2 is night capable but the cockpit is not adapted for NVG use.
The Y-5 is Chinese copy of the Antonov An-2.
The An-3 is modification of the An-2 airplane, powered by a TVD-20 turboprop engine
with the AV-17 three-blade propeller. The An-3 has new crew cabin design, heating and
ventilation equipment, electrical engineering, flight/navigation equipment, alarm system,
anti-fire equipment, and be used in the following versions: cargo, cargo/passenger,
agricaltural, extinguishing forest fire, ambulance.
The biplane are rectangular-shaped with curved tips, with one high-mounted and one
low-mounted (shorter), connected and braced by two struts. A single radial piston engine
(some versions are turboprop) is mounted in the nose. The fuselage is Short and thick
with solid, blunt nose, a stepped cockpit, and fixed landing gear. The tail fin is tapered
with a large, round tip. The flats are low-mounted on the tail fin and rectangular-shaped
with curved tips.
Specifications
Country of Origin USSR, Poland
Builder
Role Light-transport (10 equipped troops), general utility
Similar Aircraft U-6A Beaver, OV-1 Mohawk, OV-10 Bronco
Wing Span 59 ft, 8 in (18.19 m)
Length 41 ft, 9 in (12.75 m)
Height 4.1 m
3330 kg - empty
5500 kg - maximum takeoff
Weight
5800 kg - maximum takeoff [An-3]
1500 kg - maximum payload
1800 kg - maximum payload [An-3]
1xASh-62 IR, 985 hp
Engine
1xTVD-10B, 959 hp [AN-3]
Maximum speed 250 km/h
Cruising speed 220 km/h / 220-260 km/h [AN-3]
1025 km - with maximum fuel
Range
300 km - with maximum load
Service Ceiling 5000 m
650 m - dirt takeoff-landing strip
Runway 650 m - dirt takeoff-landing strip [An-3]
400 m - surfaced takeoff-landing
Armament Usually none
Crew Two
Cost
Afghanistan, Albania (Y-5), Angola, Benin, Bulgaria,
Cambodia, CIS, Cuba, Germany, Iraq, Laos, Mali,
User Countries Mongolia, Nicaragua, North Korea, People’s Republic
of China (Y-5), Poland, Romania, Tanzania, Vietnam
An-12 CUB
Y-8
An-12 is a development of the An-10. The first prototype flew in March of 1957, the
same month as the An-10 prototype, which indicates the close relationship between the
aircraft. The civilian version, the An-12B, first flew in 1961 and went in production in
1962. Over 900 An-12 Cubs were built before production ended in 1973. In the mid-
1990s large numbers of the Cub are still in service with the CIS air force.
The wings are high-mounted with drooping outer wing panels, back-tapered leading
edges, straight trailing edges, and blunt tips. Four turboprop engines are mounted under
the wings’ leading edges. The round, slender body features a stepped cockpit and
glassed-in nose, with landing gear pods which bulge at lower body midsection. The tail
flats are unequally tapered with blunt tips and mounted high on the fuselage. The fin is
tapered with a blunt tip and a step in the leading edge. Two 23-mm guns are mounted in a
tail turret.
The Shaanxi Y-8 is a licensed version of An-12 built in China. An AEW version has been
reported to be under development. The Y-8MP, the maritime patrol version, is the first
long-range maritime patrol aircraft deployed by the Peoples Liberation Army Navy
[PLAN]. With a rrange of 5,600km, it consists of the Y-8/An-12 transport aircraft,
equipped with a Litton APSO-504(V)3 surface search radar in an enlarged undernose
radome along with additional navigational systems. About half a dozen Y-8Xs patrol
aircraft are believed in service, and although the aircraft has the potential to carry a large
load of weapons, it is believed at present to be un-armed. The Chinese Navy also
reportedly is acquiring Skymaster AEW radars. While Chinese officials claim these
radars will be used for search and rescue operations, they could be used in AEW and
surface surveillance roles.
Specifications
Builder ANTONOV
Role Medium-cargo/transport, ECM, ELINT
Similar Aircraft C-130 Hercules, C-160 Transall, G.222
Crew 3-6
Wingspan 38.0 m / 124 ft, 8 in
Length 33.1 m / 121 ft, 4 in
Height 10.53 m
Wing area 121.7 sq. m
Empty weight 30500 kg
Takeoff weight 54000 kg
Max. takeoff weight 61000 kg
Engines 4 AI-20M, 4250 hp each
Max. speed 640 km/h
Cruise speed 600 km/h
Landing speed 170 km/h
Ceiling 10200 m
Takeoff roll 850 m
Landing roll 860 m
Range 5500 km
Armament twin 23mm NR-23 cannons in tail
100 equipped troops
vehicles and weapons
Payload 130 passengers or cargo
13.5 m x 2.6 m x 3.5 m (122.9 cu. m) cargo bay

Cost
Angola, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, CIS, Czech Republic,
Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, People’s Republic of
User Countries China (Y-12), Poland, Slovakia, South Yemen, Sri
Lanka, Syria (Y-12), Yugoslavia
An-22 Antei Cock
The first An-22 flew on 24 February 1965, and it was publicly displayed at the Paris
International Air Show at Le Bourget the same year. The largest transport aircraft of the
time, An-22 set a number of world records. Despite orders for 100 An-22, only 48 aircraft
were actually flying by 1983.
Specifications
Builder Antonov
Role heavy transport
Similar Aircraft
Crew 5-8
Wingspan 64.4 m
Length 55.5 m
Height 17.5 m
Wing area 480.0 sq. m
Empty weight 116000 kg
Takeoff weight 250000 kg
Engines 4 NK-12MV, 14791 hp each
Max. speed 740 km/h
Cruise speed 680 km/h
Ceiling 10000 m
Takeoff roll 1100 m
Landing roll 800 m
Range 11000 km
Range with
5000 km
maximum payload
72500 kg in a 33 m x 4.4 m x 4.4 m (638.9 cu. m) cargo
Payload
bay
Cost
User Countries
An-24 COKE
An-26 CURL
Y-7
Development of the An-24 began in 1960 in response to an Aeroflot requirement for a
cheap and simple transport to replace the Li-2 (licensed DC-3), Il-2, and Il-14 aircraft.
Two prototypes flew in September 1962, and the An-24 Coke first entered service in
1962. The production version turned out to be a reliable aircraft - An-24 was shown to be
able to maintain an altitude of 3000 m with full payload and only one working engine.
The An-24RT transport aircraft features an additional RU-19-300 jet engine. The An-26
is a development of An-24RT. One of the main modifications was a rear loading ramp.
More than 1,100 of this versatile transport aircraft were built before production ended in
1978. The Coke’s replacement, the An-26 Curl, has many of the same features as the
Coke.
The Xian Yunshuji Y-7 is a reverse-engineered Chinese version of the Antonov An-24.
The wings are high-mounted and equally tapered from the engines to the blunt tips. Two
turboprops are mounted in pods beneath the wings, which extend beyond the wings’
leading and trailing edges. The fuselage is long and slender with an upswept rear section
and a solid, rounded nose featuring a stepped cockpit. The fin is back-tapered with a
blunt tip and angular fairing. Flats are high-mounted on the body, back-tapered with blunt
tips, and have a positive slant.
Specifications
Country of Origin Russia, China
Builder ANTONOV
Role Short haul, light-transport, paratroop - cargo
Similar Aircraft An-32 Cline, IL-20 Coot, P-3C Orion, An-12 Cub
An-24 COKE An-26 CURL
Crew 2-3 3
Wingspan 29.2 m 29.2 m
Length 23.5 m 23.8 m
Height 8.3 m 8.6 m
Wing area 72.5 sq. m 75.0 sq. m
Takeoff weight 21000 kg 24000 kg
Engines 2 AI-24, 2514 hp each 2 AI-24T, 2783 hp
each
1 RU-19A-300 8.8 kN
thrust
Max. speed 540 km/h at 6000 m
Cruise speed 500 km/h 430 km/h
Landing speed 165 km/h 175 km/h
Climb rate 3.3 m/s
Ceiling 8400 m 7500 m
Takeoff roll 620 m 640 m
Landing roll 580 m 610 m
Range 2280 km 2550 km
Range with maximum 750 km 980 km
payload
38-40 passengers or
Payload 24-50 passengers
6000 kg of cargo
Cost
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bulgaria,
Cambodia, Cape Verde, Congo, CIS, Cuba, Czech
Republic, Ethiopia, Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Laos,
User Countries Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique,
Nicaragua, North Korea, People’s Republic of China
(Y-7), Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Somalia, South
Yemen, Syria, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Zambia.
An-24
An-26
Y-7
An-32 CLINE (ANTONOV)
The An-32 Cline is a direct development of the An-24 Coke. Major recognition
differences of the Cline are the engines mounted over the wings, and a large belly fin
beneath the tail section. The wings are high-mounted and equally tapered from the
engines to the blunt tips. Two turboprops mounted in pods over the wings which extend
beyond the wings’ leading and trailing edges. The fuselage is long and tubular, with
upswept rear section and solid, rounded nose and stepped cockpit. The fin is unequally
tapered with blunt tip and angular fairing. Flats are high-mounted on the body, back-
tapered with blunt tips, and have a positive slant.
Specifications
Builder
Short- to medium-range, light-transport, cargo (39
Role
equipped troops, small vehicles), airdrop
Similar Aircraft An-24 Coke, An-26 Curl
Height
Weight
Engine
Maximum speed
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Crew Five
Cost
User Countries CIS, Cuba, India, Mongolia, Peru
Antonov-70
The Antonov-70 is a new propfan powered medium-size wide-body short take-off and
landing transport aircraft. Development of the An-70 program, which began in 1975,
effectively stopped with the collapse of the Soviet Union. The first flight was on 16
December 1994, but the prototype was destroyed on 10 February 1995 in a midair
collision. However, as of mid-1998 Germany reamined interested in evaluating a
Westernized version of the An-70 to meet its airlift needs.
Specifications
Country of Origin
Builder
Role
Similar Aircraft
Wing Span
Length
Height
Weight
Engine Four ZMKB Ivchenko Progress D-27 propfans
Maximum speed
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Armament
Crew
Cost
User Countries
An-72 COALER
An-74 COALER
The An-72 Coaler is designed as a short takeoff and landing aircraft which can operate
from unprepared airfields. The An-72 originated as An-32, but was later fitted with jet
engines. The first prototype flew on December 22, 1977, and the aircraft entered service
in 1979.
The wings are high-mounted and back-tapered with blunt tips and a negative slant. Two
turbofans are mounted in long pods mounted on top of the wings. Round air intakes
extend from the front of the wings’ leading edges. The engines were placed on the
leading edge of the wings to increase lift for STOL capability, with the jet exhausts
blowing over titanium panels on the upper surface. The engine position also gives good
Foreign Object Damage (FOD) protection. The fuselage is circular with round, solid
nose, upswept rear section, and a flush cockpit. The rear fuselage has a hinged loading
ramp with a rear fairing that slides backwards and up to clear the opening. Up to 7.5 tons
can be airdropped, and there are folding side seats for 42 paratroops or 52 passengers.
The swept-back, untapered fin features back-tapered flats high-mounted on the fin
forming a T.
The An-72P is a maritime patrol variant with bulged observation windows, liferaft
provision, cameras as well as offensive armament, including underwing rocket pods, a
podded cannon on the undercarriage sponson and bombs that can be mounted in the rear
fuselage and dropped through the open rear ramp. The An-74 derivative of the An-72
featured improved avionics and radar together with an extended wingspan and increased
range. It was designed to operate in the polar regions where it can land on ice floes for
resupply or rescue work. The An-71 AEW aircraft also featured the extended wingspan,
along with a large radar dish on top of the tail.
Specifications
Builder ANTONOV
Role Medium-transport, STOL
Similar Aircraft C-160 Transall, G.222
Height 8.2 m
26,500 kg takeoff weight
Weight
30,500 kg Max. takeoff weight
Engine 2 Lotarev D-36, 62.8 kN thrust each
Maximum speed
Cruising speed 720 km/h
Landing speed 165 km/h
Takeoff roll: 400-450 m
Airfield Landing roll: 350-400 m
3200 km maximum
Range
1200 km with maximum payload
11000 m maximum
Ceiling
8000 m cruise
Armament None
Payload 32 passengers or 5000 kg of cargo
Crew Three
Cost
User Countries
An-124 CONDOR (ANTONOV)
An-124 was created in the tradition of An-22 to be the largest transport aircraft in the
world. It is larger than the C-5B Galaxy, but smaller than the An-225 Mriya (NATO
named Cossack) which carries the Russian space shuttle. The first prototype (SSSR
82002, Number 318) flew on December 26, 1982. The wings are high-mounted, swept-
back, and tapered with curved tips and negative slant. Four turbofans are mounted on
pylons under the wings. The fuselage is a thick oval in cross-section with a rounded nose
and tapering to the rear. The tail fin is swept-back and tapered with rounded tips. Flats are
swept-back, tapered, and mid-mounted on the body.
Specifications
Builder
Role Strategic transport
Similar Aircraft C-5B Galaxy, C-17A Globemaster III
Height
Weight 405000 kg
Engine 4 - Lotarev D-18T, 229.9 kN thrust each
Maximum speed
16,500 km maximum range
Range
4,500 km with maximum payload
Service Ceiling 12000 m
Armament none
88 passengers or cargo in a 36.5 m x 6.4 m x 4.4 m
Payload
(1027.8 cu. m) cargo bay
Crew Six--seven with loadmaster
Cost
User Countries
Il-14 CRATE
Approximately 3,600 Il-14 Crates were produced for both military and civilian use. The
Crate has been widely exported to other countries. The wings are low-mounted and have
straight leading edges and forward-tapered trailing edges with blunt tips. Two piston
engines are mounted in and extending beyond the wings’ leading edges. The fuselage is
long, cigar-shaped, and tapered to the rear section, featuring a rounded, solid nose and
stepped cockpit. The tail flats are mid-mounted on the body and back-tapered with
rounded tips. The large fin is tapered, with a square tip and a small fairing in the leading
edge.
Specifications
Builder ILYUSHIN
Role Medium-transport, cargo (five equipped troops)
Similar Aircraft DC-3 Dakota
Wing Span 104 ft (31.70 m)
Height
Weight
Engine
Maximum speed
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Crew Five
Cost
Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, CIS, Chad, Cuba,
User Countries Czech Republic, Iraq, North Korea, People’s Republic
of China, Poland, Romania, South Yemen, Vietnam
Il-76 CANDID
Il-78 MIDAS
The Il-76 Candid entered service with the former Soviet air force in 1974. The wings are
high-mounted, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips and a slight negative slant. Four
turbofan engines are mounted on pylons under and extending beyond wings’ leading
edges. The fuselage is long, round, and tapering to the rear, featuring a rounded nose with
radome on the chin. The bottom portion of nose glassed-in. The tail flats are swept-back,
tapered, and high-mounted on a swept-back, with the tapered tail fin forming a T.
The ll-76MF(TF) is the latest development of the popular cargo aircraft and features a 6.6
meter fuselage extension which increases the size of the cargo compartment by 1.3 to 1.5
times, while new PS-90A-76 turbofans each provide 16 tonnes of thrust. The lower fuel
consumption of the new engines increase fuel efficiency by 30%, permitting a 25%
increase in range. Furthermore, the additional power increases the maximum take-off
weight to 210 tonnes and the payload to 52 ton. Noise and emission levels meet ICAO
standard. The ll-76MD and ll-76TD are unique in their class and they can carry cargo
weighing up to 50 tonnes over ranges of up to 4000 km.
In addition to the Candid, other versions of the aircraft include the A-50 Mainstay
airborne early warning platform, and the Il-78 Midas aerial refueling tanker. The Midas is
a three-point tanker probe and drogue based on (or converted from) the airframe of the Il-
76MD military freighter, carrying a maximum payload of 48,000 kg. This new aerial-
refueling tanker aircraft began development in teh early 1980s. When deployed, the new
tanker supported tactical and strategic aircraft and significantly improved the ability of
Soviet aircraft to conduct longer range operations. The former Soviet Union's only
operational Il-78M regiment was based in Ukraine, which retained the aircraft after
independence. Only a handful remained in Russian hands.
Specifications
Builder ILYUSHIN
Heavy-transport, cargo (tanks, guns, and other
Role
equipment)
Similar Aircraft C-141B Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, C-17A Globemaster III
Length 152 ft, 10 in (46.6 m)
Height
Weight
Payload Weight
Engine
Maximum speed
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Armament Rear gun turret on military model
Crew Seven
Cost
User Countries CIS, Cuba, Iraq, India, Libya, Syria
Il-76 CANDID
Beriev Be-42 / A-40 Albatros /
MERMAID
The largest amphibian plane in the world, the A-40 Albatros military maritime patrol and
surveillance aircraft, first flew in 1986 and entered service in limited numbers in 1990.
Designed to replace old the Beriev Be-12 and Ilyushin Il-38 in Russian Navy aviation
anti-submarine service, the A-40 was developed to provide access to remote areas in the
east of the Soviet Union, transporting replacement maritime crews, anti-submarine
operations, and SAR work. This product of the G.M.Beriev Taganrog Aviation
Scientific-Engineering Complex, was detected by US intelligence in 1988 and designated
MERMAID by NATO. The A-40 aircraft was publicly revealed at the Tushino airshow in
August 1989. The Be-42 is a unique aircraft, with its high-aspect ratio, slightly swept
wings, slender fuselage, and booster engines faired in beneath the main engines. The
unmistakable shape features a high wing with two large motors placed over the wing, a
"T" tail and a probe for the in-flight refueling. Despite a lack of production orders the
Beriev A-40 Albatros has accumulated a number of world-wide performance records
from its first flight in 1986.
The Beriev BE-200 is a twin engine multiple amphibious aircraft derived from the much
larger Beriev A-40. The Be-200 is intended for production in transport, passenger-
carrying, fire-fighting, patrol and search-and-rescue versions. The aircraft's maximum
take-off weight of 42 ton is half that of the A-20. The Russian Ministry of Forests has
expressed interest in 10 to 50 Be-200s for fire-fighting roles, although the required
finance is unlikely to be available for some time. Production is being undertaken by
Beriev's associated Irkutsk factory within IAPO, which also builds the two-seat Sukhoi
Su-30 series, including the MKI versions for India. Interest has also been expressed by
South Korea in a version of the Be-200 for maritime patrol.
Specifications
Builder Beriev
Role Amphibious anti-submarine patrol aircraft
Similar Aircraft
Wing Span 135 ft 06 in ( 41.62 m )
wing area 200.0m2
Length 143 ft 10 in ( 43.80 m )
Height 36 ft 03 in ( 11.00 m )
Weight 189,595 lb ( 86,000 kg ) Max T/O
2 x Soloviev D-30KPV, 117.7 kN and
Engine 2 x Klimov RD-60K, 24.5 kN
Maximum speed 472 mph ( 760 km/h )
range w/max.fuel: 5500 km
Range
range w/max.payload: 4100 km
Service Ceiling
Armament 6500kg of bombs, torpedos or mines
Eight: two pilots; flight engineer; radio operator;
Crew
navigator; three observers
Cost
User Countries none
Beriev A-50 Mainstay
The A 50 Mainstay SDRLO (Long Range Detection System) aircraft is based on a
stretched Ilyushin IL-76 Transport in widespread service with Soviet Forces combined
with an upgraded "Flat Jack" radar system. Developed to replace the TU-126 Moss (a
variant of the Bear bomber), the Mainstay first flew in 1980 with about 40 produced by
1992. The Mainstay is not as sophisticated as its western counterpart, the E-3 Sentry, but
provides Russian Fighter Regiments with an airborne control capability over both land
and water. Mainstays have been used by the Russian Air Force at bases in the Kola
Peninsula and for observing Allied air operations during the 1991 Gulf War from bases in
Ukraine. In 1994 NATO proposed making the E-3 Sentry and the Beriev Mainstay
interoperable to enable Russia to provide AEW&C support to future United Nations or
coalition operations.
The aircraft's wings are high-mounted, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. There are
four turbofan engines mounted on pylons under and extending beyond the wings’ leading
edges. The fuselage is long, round and tapered to the rear with a radome on the chin.
There is a saucer type radome on top of the aircraft. There is a stepped-up cockpit. The
fail flats are swept-back and tapered with blunt tips high-mounted on the swept-back,
tapered fin, forming a T. The aircraft can stay aloft without refueling for four to six hours
and can remain airborne for another four hours with mid-air refueling. The aircraft has a
maximum range of 1,800 kilometers, while the radar has a detection range of up to 800
kilometers, and can track 200 targets simultaneously.
In early April 2000 Russia reached preliminary agreement to lease two A-50 aircraft to
the Indian Air Force to step up its aerial surveillance on the border with Pakistan. India
conducted trials of the A50 in July 2000, and the results were reportedly satisfactory.
In September 2000 it was reported that Rosvoorouzhenie, Russia’s arms-exporting

company, had entered negotiations with China to lease a pair of A-50 aircraft, as a
replacement for the Israeli Phalcon. The terms of the lease to China were expected to be
finalized as soone as late November or December 2000.
Specifications
Similar Aircraft E-3 Sentry
Crew Seven
AEW
Role
control
Armament tail turret
Length 152 ft, 8 in (46.5 m)
Span 165 ft, 6 in (50.5 m)
An-71 Madcap
The An-71 Madcap was a modified An-72 with an AEW radome on the forward swept
tailfin intended for service on the "Tbilisi" (AKA "Admiral Kuznetsov") aircraft carrier.
The aircraft also featured substantially extended wingspan -- about six meters greater
than the An-72 -- and other minor refinements. Three aircraft were built before the An-71
was cancelled in favor of the twin-turboprop Yak-44 [which was in turn cancelled in
1993].
Specifications
Builder Antonov
Role AEW
Similar Aircraft
Wing Span 31.9 m
Length 23.5 m
Height 9.2 m
Weight
2 D-436K turbofans +
Engine
1 RD-38A
Range
Service Ceiling
Armament
Crew 6
Cost
User Countries Russia
Il-20 COOT-A (ILYUSHIN)
The Il-20 is a military version of the Il-18 passenger airplane, with electronic equipment
and an array of external antennae. It is still used by the Russian Air Force as flying
command post. This version is sometimes unofficially referred to as Il-20 or Coot-A in
NATO code. A maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft, the Il-38, was also
developed from the Il-18.
GENERAL DATA
Country of Origin. CIS (formerly USSR).
Similar Aircraft. P-3C Orion, An-24 Coke, An-12 Cub.
Crew. Five.
Role. Electronics surveillance.
Armament. None.
Dimensions. Length: 117 ft, 9 in (35.9 m). Span: 122 ft, 7 in (37.4 m).
WEFT DESCRIPTION
Wings. Low-mounted and unequally tapered with blunt tips and positive slant.
Engine(s). Four turboprops mounted in the wings and extending forward of the wings.
Fuselage. Round, cigar-shaped tapered at the rear and a rounded nose. Stepped-up
cockpit. Bulges on sides of fuselage aft of the cockpit. Pod carried on the fuselage bottom
is a SLAR.
Tail. Back-tapered fin with square tip. Equally tapered flats, mid-mounted on the
fuselage.
USER COUNTRIES
Afghanistan (Il-18), CIS.
Il-38 May
The Ilyushin Il-38 May is a Soviet maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft developed
from the Il-18. The Il-38 has a short front fuselage and a much longer aft-fuselage, and
two bomb bays. It is powered by four Ivchenko Al-20 single-shaft turboprops and has a
maximum speed of 450mph and a range of 4500 miles. The Il-38 was first flown in 1957,
and about 100 were built.
Specifications
Builder
Role reconnaissance/ASW
Similar Aircraft
Wing Span 37.4 m
Length 39.8 m
Height
35,000 kg empty
Weight 65,000 kg Max take-off weight
9,000 kg Max payload
Engine 4 x turboprop engines (Ivchenko AI-20) @ 4200 hp
Range 7,250 km
Service Ceiling 11,000 m
Armament
Crew 10 - 12
Cost
User Countries
Mi-1 HARE
The Mi-1 Hare entered series production in 1951. The Mi-1 remained in production until
1964. Poland built a version designated SM-1. The three-blade main rotor is mounted on
a high hump on top of the fuselage midsection. The single radial piston engine is
mounted beneath a hump on top of cabin. The fuselage, which is tadpole-shaped when
viewed from bottom, features a rounded nose and rear sections with a stepped, glassed-in
cockpit and a long, thin, tapered tail boom. The tail consists of a swept-back fin with a
rotor on the right top. Small flats are equally tapered and mounted directly in front of the
fin.
Specifications
Builder MIL
Role Utility, liaison
Similar Aircraft None
Rotor diameter 47 ft (14.36 m)
Height
Weight
Engine
Maximum speed
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Crew One
Cost
User Countries
Mi-2 HOPLITE
The MI-2 Hoplite provides transport and fire support. The MI-2 can conduct
reconnaissance, resupply guerrillas and provide close air support with 57mm rockets. It
can also have a smoke generator mounted to provide a wide area smoke screen in front of
units, screening their movements. Additional missions include; direct air support,
antitank, armed reconnaissance, transport, medevac, airborne command post, minelaying,
and training. Although the Mi-2 Hoplite was developed by the Mil bureau in the former
Soviet Union, the aircraft was produced exclusively in Poland by the PZL Swidnik
aircraft factory. Several thousand of these aircraft were built and it remained in
production until 1985.
The three-blade main rotor is mounted on top of a large hump above the body midsection.
Two turboshaft enginess are mounted side-by-side on top of cabin, forming a hump, with
round air intakes above the cockpit and oval exhausts on the sides of the engines. The
small, bus-like fuselage with fixed landing gear features a stepped-up cockpit and
rounded nose, and a tadpole-shaped body when viewed from bottom. The tapered tail
boom has small, unequally tapered flats and a thin, swept-back fin with a rotor on the
right.
The cabin door is hinged rather than sliding, which may limit operations. There is no
armor protection for the cockpit or cabin. Ammo storage is in the aircraft cabin, so
combat load varies by mission. Some Mi-2USs currently employ fuselage-mounted
weapon racks rather than the 23-mm fuselage-mounted cannon which is removed. Some
variants however, still employ the cannon. External stores are mounted on weapons racks
on each side of the fuselage. Each rack has two hardpoints for a total of four stations.
VARIANTS
 Mi-2R: Ambulance version that carries 4x litter patients.
 Mi-2T: Transport version that carries 8 personnel.
 Mi-2URN: Armed reconnaissance variant, employs 57-mm unguided rockets, and
mounts a gunsight in the cockpit for aiming all weapons.
 Mi-2URP: The antitank variant. Carries 4x AT-3 Sagger wire-guided missiles on
external weapons racks, and 4x additional missiles in the cargo compartment.
 Mi-2US: The gunship variant, employs an airframe modification that mounted a
23-mm NS-23KM cannon to the portside fuselage. Also employs 2x 7.62-mm gun
pods on external racks, and 2x 7.62-mm pintle-mounted machineguns in the
cabin.
 PZL Swidnik: A Polish-produced variant under license from Russia. Same
performance, characteristics, and missions.
Specifications
Builder MIL / PZL Swidnik
Date of Introduction 1965
Transport, cargo, reconnaissance, trainer, search and
Role
rescue, liaison, armed support
Similar Aircraft Hirundo A109, Mi-8 Hip
Blades Main rotor: 3 Tail rotor: 2
Rotor diameter 47 ft, 6 in (14.6 m)
rotors turning: 17.4 m / 57 ft
Length fuselage: 11.9 m
Height 3.7 m
Maximum Gross: 3,700 kg
Weight Normal Takeoff: 3,550 kg
Empty: 2,372 kg
Engines 2x 400-shp PZL GTD-350 (series III and IV) turboshaft
Internal: 600 liters
Fuel Internal Aux Tank: N/A
External Fuel Tank: 238 liters ea.
Maximum Load: 580 km
Range Normal Load: 340 km
With Aux Fuel: 790 km
Service: 4,000 meters
Ceiling Hover (out of ground effect): 1,000 meters
Hover (in ground effect): 2,000 meters
Vertical Climb Rate 4.5 m/s
Transports 6-8 troops or
Standard Payload 700 kg internal cargo or
800 kg external load on 4x external hardpoints.
Armament 23-mm Automatic Cannon, NS-23KM:
Range: (practical) 2,500 m
Elevation/Traverse: None (rigidly-mounted)
Ammo type: HEFI, HEI, APT, APE, CC
Rate of Fire (rpm): (practical) 550
7.62-mm or Pintle-mounted Machinegun:
(may be mounted in left-side cabin door)
Ammo type: HEFI, HEI, APT, APE, CC
OR
12.7-mm or Pintle-mounted Machinegun:
(may be mounted in left-side cabin door)
Ammo type: API, API-T, IT, HEI
1 - 23-mm automatic cannon
1 - 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm MG
4 - AT-3c/SAGGER ATGM
4 - SA-7b/GRAIL missile
2 - 57-mm Rocket pods (16 each)
Twin or single fixed 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm MG
External fuel tanks (liters)
The cannon is pilot sighted, and fire is adjusted by
AVIONICS controlling the attitude of the aircraft.
The Mi-2 is primarily a daylight only aircraft.
Survivability Main and tail rotor blades electrically deiced.
Crew 1 (pilot)
Cost
Azerbaijan, Burma, Bulgaria, CIS, Cuba, Czech
User Countries Republic, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, Libya,
Nicaragua, Poland, Slovakia, Syria, Ukraine
Mi-4 HOUND
Z-5
The Mi-4 HOUND helicopter is a piston-engined aircraft developed for unarmed military
transport. Approximately 3,000 Mi-4 Hounds were built before production ended in
1969. These piston-engined aircraft have been largely replaced by jet-powered
helicopters in the transport and antisubmarine role. The large, four-blade main rotor is
mounted on top of the fuselage midsection. The single piston engine is mounted within
the nose section. The fuselage is short and oval with a solid rounded nose and stepped-up
cockpit. It features a high-mounted, long, thin tail boom with a gun mount under the belly
(oil pan) and four-wheeled landing gear. The tail is small, with a three-blade rotor
attached to right side of the thin fin and small flats forward of the fin.
Specifications
Country of Origin Russia & China
Builder MIL
Transport (12 to 16 equipped troops), armed support,
Role trainer
Similar Aircraft BO 105, Defender 500
Rotor diameter 69 ft (21 m)
Height 17 ft.
Weight 17,200 lbs. /
Engine 1 x 1,700 shp Shvetson ASh-82V, air-cooled radial
Maximum speed 99 mph
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Armament Machine gun pod, rockets
Crew Three
Cost
Afghanistan, Albania (Z-5), Algeria, Bulgaria, Cuba,
Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Iraq, Mali,
User Countries Mongolia, North Korea, North Yemen, People’s
Republic of China (Z-5), Poland, Romania, Somalia ,
South Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Vietnam
Z-5
Mi-6 HOOK (MIL)
When first flown in 1957, the Mi-6 Hook was the world's largest rotary-wing aircraft.
More than 800 of this heavy-lift helicopter were built before production ended in 1981.
The large, five-blade main rotor is centered over the fuselage midsection. The stabilizing
wings are unequally tapered with blunt tips, mounted high on the fuselage, and tilted
upward to the front. Two turboshafts are mounted on top of fuselage midsection with
round air intakes above cockpit. Oval-shaped exhaust ports on sides. The fuselage is long
and bus-like, with a round, stepped-up cockpit and round, glassed-in nose section and
fixed landing gear. The upswept rear section has a tapered tail boom. The swept-back fin
is tapered with a small rotor on right and unequally tapered flats forward of the fin.
Specifications
Builder Mil
Role Heavy transport (65 equipped troops), vehicles
Similar Aircraft Mi-26 Halo, CH-3 Jolly Green Giant
Height
Weight
Engine
Maximum speed
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Armament Machine gun
Crew Five
Cost
User Countries Algeria, CIS, Egypt, Iraq, Laos, Peru, Syria, Vietnam
Mi-8 HIP
The MI-8 HIP is a multi-role transport helicopter capable of carring troops or supplies as
well as conducting armed attackes with rockets and guns. It is often used to resupply
guerrillas, insert detachments or provide close air support to attacking units. Designed as
a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 proved a multi-purpose machine. The cable external
suspension, equipped with the weight-measuring device, makes it possible to carry large
size cargoes weighing up to three tons. If required, it became both combat, rescue and
artillery observation helicopter.
The large, five-blade main rotor is mounted over the engine at the body midsection, while
a weapon-carrying platform is mounted at the lower body midsection. External stores are
mounted on weapons racks on each side of the fuselage. The HIP C has four external
hardpoints; the HIP E, HIP H, have six; other variants have none. Not all available
munitions are employed at one time, mission dictates weapon configuration. Twin
turboshaft engines are mounted on top of the fuselage with two round air intakes just
above the cockpit and rounded exhaust ports aft. The Mi-8 is capable of single-engine
flight in the event of loss of power by one engine (depending on aircraft mission weight)
because of an engine load sharing system. If one engine fails, the other engine’s output is
automatically increased to allow continued flight. The fuselage consists of a long, bus-
like body with a rounded nose and glassed-in cockpit. Interior seats are removable for
cargo carrying. The rear clamshell doors open, an internal winch facilitates loading of
heavy freight. Floor has tiedown rings throughout. The aircraft carries a rescue hoist
capable to 150 kg, and a cargo sling system capable to 3,000 kg. Two fuel pods are offset
and mounted low on the body, which features an upswept rear section and tricycle
landing gear. The tail boom tapers to the small, swept-back, and tapered fin with rotor on
top right or left, with small flats mounted forward of the fin.
The first Mi-8 flew in January of 1960, and by 1985, more than 1500 Mi-8 were built.
Mil Moscow helicopter plant joint stock company is the major designer and producer of
military transport, civil transport, heavy-lift,multi-role helicopters. Mil is associated with
the Rostov and Kazan production enterprises. Kazan is the oldest helicopter
manufacturing plant in Russia and makes Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters. the Mi-8 was
exported to Czechoslovakia, Algeria, East Germany, Hungary, Bolivia, Poland, Bulgaria,
Yugoslavia, Finland, and Ethiopia.
VARIANTS
 Mi-8T: The HIP C is a medium assault/ transport version. The probable armament
is 57-mm rockets, bombs, or AT-2C/ SWATTER ATGMs.
 Mi-8VPK: The HIP D is an airborne com-munications platform with rectangular
communication canisters mounted on weapons racks.
 Mi-8TVK: The HIP E is used as a gunship or direct air support platform.
Airframe modifications add 2x external hardpoints for a total of 6, and mount a
flexible 12.7-mm machinegun in the nose. The probable armament is 57-mm
rockets, bombs, or AT-2/SWATTER ATGMs.
 Mi-8MT/MTV/MTB/-171-17: The HIP H is an upgraded medium assault/
transport version. The designation Mi-17 is for export; the Russian armed forces
called it Mi-8MT. The Mi-17 can be recognized because it has the tail rotor at the
starboard side, instead of the port side. See separate Mi-17 entry.
 Mi-8SMV: The HIP J is an airborne jamming platform characterized by small
boxes on the left side of the fuselage.
 Mi-8PPA: The HIP K is an airborne jamming platform characterized by 6x “X”-
shaped antennas on the aft fuselage.
 Mi-9: The HIP G is an airborne command post characterized by antennas, and
Doppler radar on tailboom.
 The Mi-14 is a modification of Mi-8 for naval applications, mainly used against
submarines. Mi-14 has a boat-like lower fuselage with pontoon on either side,
retractable landing gear, a radar dome under the nose, and an internal weapons
bay.
Comparison
Variant Mi-8 Mi-17 Hip H
Engine 2 TV2-117, 1482 hp each 2 TV3-117VM 1900 hp

each
Weight 11100-12000 kg 13000 kg
Maximum speed 230-250 km/h 250 km/h
Cruising speed 225 km/h 220 - 240 km/h
Service Ceiling 4500 m 6000 m
Specifications
Builder Mil
Role Armed assault-transport
Similar Aircraft Puma, Mi-2 Hoplite, Super Frelon
Main rotor: 5
Blades
Tail rotor: 3
Main Rotor : 21.3 meters [70 ft]
Rotor diameter Tail Rotor : 3.9 meters
Length (rotors turning): 25.2 m
Length
Length (fuselage): 18.2m [61 ft]
Height 18 ft 6 in ( 5.65 m)
Width 2.5 m
Floor Length: 5.3 m
Cargo Compartment Width: 2.3 m
Height: 1.8 m
Empty: 6,990 kg
Engine 2 TV2-117, 1482 hp each
Maximum speed 230-250 km/h
Cruising speed 122 kts (140 mph; 225 km/h)
Maximum Load: 350 km
Internal Aux Tank: 915 liters ea.
Fuel
External Fuel Tank: 745 liters in port tank,
680 liters in starboard tank
Service Ceiling Hover (out of ground effect): 800 meters
Vertical Climb Rate 9 m/s
HIP C: 24 troops, or 3,000 kg internal or
external loads on 4x hardpoints.
HIP E: 24 troops, or 4,000 kg internal or
Standard Payload
3,000 kg external on 6x hardpoints.
HIP J/K: antennas on aft section of
fuselage.
HIP E mounts a flexible 12.7-mm
machinegun in the nose
2 - 7.62-mm or 1x 12.7-mm MG
4-6 - AT-2C Swatter or AT-3 Sagger
ATGMs
Armament 4-6 - 57-mm rocket pods (16 each)
2 - 80-mm rocket pods (20 each)
4 - 250-kg bombs
2 - 500-kg bombs
2 - 12.7-mm MG pod
2 - Twin 23-mm gun pods
1,830 liters Additional fuel tanks
Loaded combat troops can fire personal
weapons through windows from inside cabin.
Main and tail rotor blades electrically
Survivability/Countermeasures deiced.
Infrared jammer, chaff and flares.
The Mi-8 is equipped with instruments and
AVIONICS avionics allowing operation in day, night, and
instrument meteorological conditions.
Crew 3 (2x pilots, 1x flight engineer)
$900,000 (1991 used)
Cost
$3,200,000 (new)
At least 54 countries -- Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Belarus,
Bulgaria, Cambodia, CIS, Croatia, Cuba,
Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Guyana,
User Countries Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Madagascar, Mongolia,
Mozambique, Nicaragua, North Yemen,
People’s Republic of China, Slovakia,
SouthYemen, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine,
Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Zambia
Mi-14 Haze
The Mi-14 Haze is a shore-based, navalized version of the Mi-8 'Hip' with a float bottom
and ASW equipment. There are alsa SAR and mine-sweeping versions. In addition to its
multirole capability, the Mi-14 features high flight performance: a 900 to 1,000 km range
and four-hour endurance on internal fuel only. Currently, the only competitor to the Mi-
14GP is the Eurocopter AS 332L1 Super Puma. The Mi-14 can land on water, drop
liferafts overboard and take at least 20 survivors aboard. It can be employed for search,
transport and rescue (dropping 20 liferafts).
Specifications
Country of Origin
Builder
Role
A is ASW
Variants
B is MCm variant(unarmed)
Similar Aircraft
Rotor Span 21.2m
Length 25.3m
Height
9000kg Empty
Weight
14000kg Maximum
Payload 2000 kg
Engine 2 Isotov TV3-117
Maximum speed 230km/h
Cruising speed
Range 1135km
Cruise range 432 nm
Service Ceiling 3500-5000 m
Armament E45-75A torp or B-1, Nuclear DB
MAD, dipping sonar, 20 sonobuoys, Radar type
Sensors
unknown
Crew 2
Cost
User Countries
Mi-17 [Mi-8MT] HIP H
The MI-17 is a multirole helicopter used to resupply CLF guerrillas or insert PSOC
detachments. It can also be very heavily armed with an extensive array or rockets,
misslies and guns. It is often used to air assault infantry forces to attack the point of
penetration, reinforce units in contact or disrupt counterattacks. Additional missions
include; attack, direct air support, electronic warfare, airborne early warning, medevac,
search and rescue, and minelaying.
The Mi-17 helicopter, developed at the Mil Design Bureau from the Mi-8 helicopter, is in
serial manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Production Association. The designation Mi-
17 is for export; the Russian armed forces called it Mi-8MT. The Mi-17 can be
recognized because it has the tail rotor at the starboard side, instead of the port side. The
Mi-17 added a number of improvements to its predecessor, including a vibration damper
to increase comfort for crew members and passengers. The helicopter features a high
thrust-to-weight ratio pair of TVZ-117MT or TVZ-117VM shaft-turbine engines with a
takeoff power of 1,900 hp. The Mi-17 is capable of single-engine flight in the event of
loss of power by one engine (depending on aircraft mission weight) because of an engine
load sharing system. If one engine fails, the other engine’s output is automatically
increased to allow continued flight.
The Mi-17 is capable of carrying cargoes in the cabin (including long cargo) with half-
open or removed doors, external loads, or passengers (24 people). The Mi-17 can carry
up to 30 troops and up to 20 wounded; it can also be used for in-flight unloading of
special cargoes. The transport version of the MI-17 helicopter is intended to carry cargoes
(loads) in the cargo compartment, including long-size cargo with partially- opened or
removed cargo doors, external loads, or executives (up to 24 persons). Interior seats are
removable for cargo carrying. The rear clamshell doors open, an internal winch facilitates
loading of heavy freight. Floor has tiedown rings throughout. The aircraft carries a rescue
hoist capable to 150 kg.
External stores are mounted on weapons racks on each side of the fuselage. The Mi-17
has six external hardpoints. The Mi-17 is provided with missiles, bombs, small arms and
cannons. It carries four missile launchers of the B8V20 type, with missiles launched with
the aid of an on-board PUS-31-71 electrical fire control system. The BDZ-57KRVM
bomb carrier is used for the attachment of bombs up to 500kg. Not all vailable munitions
are employed at one time, mission dictates weapon configuration. The helicopter carries
four UPK-23-250 gun containers with GSh-23L 23mm guns and pivoted mounts (eight
units). The forward and aft hemispheres are protected by PKT machine-guns with
independent power supply and remote control circuits.
The helicopter may be provided with longrange communication equipment and a radar,
and it can carry equipment with phased-array antennas for suppression of enemy
electronic attack and air defence facilities, such as airborne radars, air defence (artillery)
weapons control radars, surveillance and target detection radars and missile radar homing
heads. The ECM equipment can work both in the reconnaissance and ECM modes or in
the reconnaissance mode.
VARIANTS
 Mi-17: A mid-life upgrade of the widely proliferated Mi-8 HIP H medium assault/
transport helicopter. Initially, only the export version was known as the Mi-17.
The only visible differences between this variant and the older Mi-8s is that the
tail rotor is on the portside rather than the starboard side, and crew armor plating.
 Mi-17P: A descendent of the HIP K airborne jamming platform characterized by
large rectangular antennas along the aft fuselage. The Mi-17P (Mi-8MTPB `Hip-
K derivative') is provided with long-range communication equipment and a radar,
and it can carry equipment with phased-array antennas for suppression of enemy
electronic attack and air defence facilities, such as airborne radars, air defence
(artillery) weapons control radars, surveillance and target detection radars and
missile radar homing heads. The ECM equipment can work both in the
reconnaissance and ECM modes or in the reconnaissance mode.
 Mi-171/-17M/-17V: Also known as Mi-8MTV, and a descendent of the HIP H.
The engines are upgraded to 2x 2,070-shp Klimov TV3-117VMAs to allow
greater rates of climb and hover ceilings, yet performance characteristics remain
virtually unchanged from the baseline Mi-17.
Specifications
Builder Mil
Date of Introduction 1981 (as Mi-17)
Role
Similar Aircraft
Length (rotors turning): 25.4 meters
Length
Length (fuselage): 18.4 meters
Height 5.7 meters
Width 2.5 meters
Main Rotor Diameter 21.3 meters
Tail Rotor Diameter 3.9 meters
Floor Length: 5.3 meters
Cargo Compartment Width: 2.3 meters
Dimensions
Height: 1.8 meters
Empty: 7,100-7,370 kg (variant dependant)
Main rotor: 5
Blades
Tail rotor: 3
Engine 2x 1,950-shp Isotov TV3-117MT turboshaft
Internal Aux Tank: 915 liters ea.
Fuel External Fuel Tank:
Port Tank: 745 liters
Starboard Tank: 680 liters
Normal Load: 495 km
Range With Aux Fuel: 1,065 km
Service: 5,000-5,700 meters (variant
dependant)
Hover (in ground effect): 1,900-3,980 meters
(variant dependant)
2x 7.62-mm or 1x 12.7-mm MG
4-6 - AT-2C or AT-3 ATGMs
4-6 - 57-mm rocket pods (16 each)
2 - 80-mm rocket pods (20 each)
4 - 250-kg bombs
2 - 500-kg bombs
1 - 12.7-mm MG pod
2 - Twin 23-mm gun pods
Armament 1,830 - Additional fuel tanks (liters)
Most Probable Armament: fitted with 2x

7.62-mm machineguns or possibly 2x 23-mm
GSh-23 gun packs in cabin, 57-mm rockets,
and AT3/SAGGER ATGMs.
Loaded combat troops can fire personal

weapons through cabin windows from inside
cabin.
Internal load: 4,000 kg
External on sling only: 3,000 kg
Standard Payload Transports 24 troops and cargo, or
armaments on 6x external hardpoints.
Main and tail rotor blades electrically deiced.
Survivability/Countermeasures Infrared jammer, chaff and flares.
The Mi-17 is equipped with instruments,

avionics, Doppler radar, and a fully
AVIONICS functioning autopilot for operation in day,
night, and instrument meteorological
conditions.
Crew 3 (2x pilots, 1x flight engineer)
Cost
User Countries At least 22 countries
Mi-24 HIND
Mi-25 HIND D
Mi-35 HIND E
The Mi-24, the first helicopter to enter service with the Russian Air Force as an assault
transport and gunship, was developed on the basis of the Mi-8's propulsion system.
Additional missions include direct air support, antitank, armed escort, and air to air
combat. The helicopter was used extensively in the Afghanistan War, becoming the
"signature" weapon of the conflict. The Mi-24 is a close counterpart to the American AH-
64 Apache, but unlike this and other Western assault helicopters it is also capable of
transporting up to eight troops. The Russians have deployed significant numbers of
HINDs in Europe and have exported the HIND to many third world countries.
The five-blade main rotor is mounted on top of fuselage midsection, while short, stubby,
weapon-carrying wings are mounted at the fuselsage midsection. Two turboshaft engines
are mounted above body midsection with two round air intakes located just above the
cockpit and exhaust ports on the sides of engines. The Hind A fuselage consists of a
large, oval-shaped body with a glassed-in cockpit, tapering at the rear to the tail boom.
The Hind D fuselage features nose modification with tandem bubble canopies, and a
chin-mounted turret. The swept-back tapered tail fin features a rotor on the right on some
models, with tapered flats on a boom just forward of the fin.
External stores are mounted on underwing external stores points. Each wing has three
hardpoints for a total of six stations. A representative mix when targeting armor
formations would be eight AT-6 ATGMs, 750x 30-mm rounds, and two 57-mm rocket
pods. The aircraft can store an additional ammunition basic load in the cargo
compartment in lieu of carrying troops. Armored cockpits and titanium rotor head able to
withstand 20-mm cannon hits. Every aircraft has an overpressurization system for
operation in a NBC environment.
The HIND’s wings provide 22% to 28% of its lift in forward flight. In a steep banking
turn at slower airspeeds, the low wing can lose lift while it is maintained on the upper
wing, resulting in an excessive roll. This is countered by increasing forward airspeed to
increase lift on the lower wing. Because of this characteristic, and the aircraft’s size and
weight, it is not easily maneuverable. Therefore they usually attack in pairs or multiple
pairs, and from various directions.
VARIANTS
Nearly all of the older HIND A, B and C variants have been upgraded or modified to the
HIND D or E standard.
 Mi-24D/HIND D: Direct air support.

 Mi-24V/HIND E: Direct air support. Most proliferated version.
 Mi-24P/HIND F: Direct air support. The fixed twin gun cut the turret profile, and
empty weight to 8,200 kg, while boosting maximum gross weight to 12,000 kg.
 Mi-24R/HIND G-1: NBC sampling. It has mechanisms to obtain soil and air
samples, filter air, and place marker flares.
 Mi-24K/HIND G-2: Photo-recon, and artillery spotting. Has a camera in cabin,
gun, rocket pods, but no targeting system.
 Mi-25: Export version of the HIND D.
 Mi-35: Export version of the HIND E. The Mi-35M has a twin barrel 23-mm gun.
 Mi-35P: Export version of the HIND F.
Specifications
Builder MIL
Date of Introduction 1976 (HIND D)
Role Assault, gunship, antitank
AH-1 Cobra (all models), UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64
Similar Aircraft
Apache, Mangusta A129
Main rotor: 5
Blades
Tail rotor: 3
Main Rotor : 17.3 meters
Rotor diameter Tail Rotor: 3.9 meters
Wing span 6.5 meters
Length : 21.6 m (rotors turning)
Length
Length : 17.5 m (fuselage)
13 ft., 11 in.
Height 6.5 meters (gear extended)
Floor Length: 2.5 meters
Cargo Compartment
Width: 1.5 meters
Dimensions
Height: 1.2 meters
Empty: 8,500 kg
Internal: 1,840 liters
Fuel Internal Aux Tank (in cabin): 1,227 liters
External Fuel Tank: 500 liters ea.
Engine 2 x 2,200 shp Isotov TV-3-117 turbines
Maximum speed 168 mph / 335 km/h
Service Ceiling 4,500 meters
out of ground effect: 1,500 meters
Hover in ground effect : 2,200 meters
Max “G” Force 1.75 g
Internal load: 8 combat troops or 4 litters
Standard Payload External weapons load: 1,500 kg
External load (no weapons): 2,500 kg
Armament 12.7-mm 4x Barrel Machinegun, YaKB-12.7:
Range (m): (practical) 1,500
Elevation/Traverse: 20° up to 60° down/ 120°
Ammo Type: HEFI, APT, Duplex, DuplexT
Rate of Fire (rpm): up to 4,500 (pilot selectable)
30-mm Twin Barrel Cannon, GSh-30K:
Range (m): (practical) 4,000
Elevation/Traverse: None (rigidly mounted)
Ammo Type: HEFI, HEI, APT, APE, CC
Rate of Fire (rpm): 300, or 2,000 to 2,600
750 - 1x twin 30-mm gun, or
1,470 - 12.7-mm 4 barrel turret gun
2-12 - AT-2C or AT-6C Spiral ATGMs
2-4 - 80-mm S-8 rocket pods (20 ea.)
2-4 - 57-mm S-5 rocket pods (32 ea.)
940 - GSh-23L twin 23-mm MG pods
4 - 250-kg bombs FAB-250
2 - 500-kg bombs
500 liters External fuel tanks
Most Probable Armament
HIND D: Turret-mounted 4-barrel 12.7-mm Gatling
type machinegun, 57-mm rockets, AT-2C/ SWATTER
ATGMs.
HIND E: Turret-mounted 4-barrel 12.7-mm Gatling
type machinegun or twin barrel 23-mm turret gun, 57-
mm rockets, AT-6C/ SPIRAL ATGMs.
HIND F: Fixed 30-mm twin gun on the right fuselage
side, 57-mm rockets, AT-6C/ SPIRAL ATGMs.
Loaded combat troops can fire personal weapons
through cabin windows.
Sensors FLIR, RWR, laser designator
AVIONICS The ATGM targeting system uses a low-level light
TV, a laser designator, FLIR, air data sensor, and a
missile guidance transmitter.
HIND D versions are primarily daytime aircraft only.
Some HIND E and Mi-35 series export versions have
upgraded night and weather capabilities, better
avionics, weather radar, autopilot, HUD, GPS, NVG
compatibility, more armor, and an increased weapons
load provided by the French company Sextant
Avionique.
Survivability Main and tail rotors electrically deiced.
Infrared signature suppressors can be mounted on
engine exhausts.
Radar warning receivers, IFF, Infrared jammer, rotor
brake, chaff and flares.
Armored cockpit.
Crew Two (pilots in tandem cockpits)
Cost
At least 34 countries -- Armenia, Afghanistan, Algeria,
Angola, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, CIS, Cuba,
Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Georgia, Germany, Hungary,
User Countries
Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua,
North Korea, Peru, Poland, Slovakia, South Yemen,
Syria, Ukraine, Vietnam
Mi-26 HALO
The Mi-26 helicopter, the heaviest and most powerful helicopter in the world, was
designed for carrying large-size cargoes weighing up to 20 tons. It is the result of an early
1970s specification for a transport helicopter whose empty weight, without fuel, was not
to exceed half of its maximum take-off weight. It can be used for construction projects
ranging from bridges to power transmission lines. The combination of high load-carrying
capacity and high cruise speed makes the use of the helicopter economically efficient.
The helicopter is loaded through the cargo hatch in the tail of the fuselage with lowered
ladder and subladders. The cargo cabin is equipped with two electric hoists and lifting
and loading devices ensuring loading and carrying along the cabin of cargoes weighing
up to 5 tons. Mil Moscow helicopter plant joint stock company is the major designer and
producer of military transport, civil transport, heavy-lift,multi-role helicopters. Mil is
associated with the Rostov and Kazan production enterprises. Rostov makes the Mi-26
heavy-lift helicopters.
The Mi-26 is the first helicopter with an eight-blade main rotor, which is mounted above
the fuselage midsection on a hump. Two turboshaft engines are mounted on top of the
cabin with round air intakes above and behind the cockpit and exhaust ports at the sides
of the engines. The long, bus-like body with fixed tricycle landing gear tapers to the nose
and rear, with an upswept rear section and rounded nose and stepped-up cockpit. The tail
is swept-back with a slightly tapered fin with large rotor on right side. The flats are
forward-tapered and low-mounted on leading edge of the fin.
The HALO A has no armament. The load and lift capabilities of the aircraft are
comparable to the US C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The length of the landing gear
struts can be hydraulically adjusted to facilitate loading through the rear doors. The
tailskid is retractable to allow unrestricted approach to the rear clamshell doors and
loading ramp. The cargo compartment has two electric winches (each with 2,500 kg
capacity) on overhead rails can move loads along the length of the cabin. The cabin floor
has rollers and tie-down rings throughout. The HALO has a closed-circuit television
system to observe positioning over a sling load, and load operations. The Mi-26 is
capable of single-engine flight in the event of loss of power by one engine (depending on
aircraft mission weight) because of an engine load sharing system. If one engine fails, the
other engine’s output is automatically increased to allow continued flight.
VARIANTS
 Mi-26MS: Medical evacuation version.
 Mi0-26T: Freight transport.
 Mi-26TZ: Fuel tanker with an additional 14,040 liters of fuel in 4x internal tanks
and 1,040 liters of lubricants, pumped through 4x 60-meter long refueling nozzles
for refu-eling aircraft, and 10x 20-meter long hoses for refueling ground vehicles.
Fuel transfer rate is 300 liters/minute for aviation fuel, and 75-150 liters/minute
for diesel fuel. The refueling system can easily be removed to allow the aircraft to
perform transport missions.
Specifications
Builder MIL
Role Heavy cargo-transport
Similar Aircraft Mi-6 Hook, HH-3E Jolly Green Giant
Main rotor - 8
Blades
Tail rotor - 5
Length (rotors turning) 40 meters
Length (fuselage) 33.5 meters
Width 8.2 meters
Height 26 ft., 5 in. / 8.1 meters
Tail Rotor Diameter 7.6 meters
12 meters - Floor Length
Cargo Compartment 3.3 meters - Width
Dimensions
Height variable from 2.9 to 3.2 meters
49500 kg - Normal takeoff weight
56000 kg - Maximum takeoff weight
Weight 28200 kg - empty weight
20000 kg - Load-lifting capacity
(100+ equipped troops, armored vehicles)
Engine 2 x 11,400 shp Lotarev D-136 turbines
Cruising speed 183 mph / 255 km/h
1200 km with Aux Fuel
Range 800 km with maximum fuel reserve
475-800 km with maximum loading
4600 m
Service Ceiling 1,800 m Hover (out of ground effect)
4,500 m Hover (in ground effect)
Fuel 11,900 liters Internal
Standard Payload 20,000 kg Internal or external load
over 80 troops, 60 litters, or
2x BRDM-2 scout cars, or 2x BMDs, or
1x BMP or,
1x BTR-60/70/80 or,
1x MT-LB
Main and tail rotor blades electrically deiced.
Infrared signature suppressors on engines.
Survivability/Countermeasures
Infrared jammers and decoys; flares.
Self-sealing fuel tanks.
The avionics and navigational package, a
Doppler weather radar, and a fully
AVIONICS
functioning autopilot allow for day/night all-
weather operation.
5 (2x pilots, 1x navigator, 1x flight engineer,
Crew
1x loadmaster)
Cost
User Countries At least 5 countries - India, CIS
Mi-28 HAVOC
The Mi-28 Havoc is a new-generation attack helicopter that functions as an air-to-air and
air-to-ground partner for the Mi-24 Hind and Ka-50 Hokum. The five-blade main rotor is
mounted above the body midsection, and short, wide, tapered, weapon-carrying wings are
mounted to the rear of body midsection. Two turboshaft engines in pods are mounted
alongside the top of the fuselage with downturned exhausts. The fuselage is slender and
tapers to the tail boom and nose. It features a tandem, stepped-up cockpits and a cannon
mounted beneath the belly, with fixed landing gear. The tapering tail boom with a swept-
back fin has a flat high-mounted on the fin and a rotor mounted on right.
The Mi-28N and Kamov Ka-50 are competing to fulfil the Russian Army Aviation
requirement for a night-capable anti-tank helicopter, a replacement to the Mi-24 created
25 years ago. The Mi-28N is based on the Mi-28A, a daylight helicopter first flown in
December 1982. In comparison with the AH-64D Longbow Apache, the 10,5-ton Mi-
28N is some 2.5 tons heavier, partly due to its more powerful cannon. In general the two
helicopters have similar flight performance. Two Klimov TV-3-117 engines of 2,200 hp
each allow the Russian aircraft to show a maximum level speed of 300 km/h and
maximum climb at sea-level of 13.6 meters per second.
Specifications
Builder MIL
Role Attack
Similar Aircraft Mangusta A129, AH-64 Apache, AH-1F Cobra
Rotor diameter 56 ft (17.04 m)
Height
Weight
Engine
Maximum speed
Cruising speed
Range
Service Ceiling
Armament AAMs, antitank missiles, cannon, rockets
Crew Two
Cost
User Countries
Ka-25 Hormone
The deployment of the Polaris naval strategic nuclear missile system in the USA acted as
a catalyst accelerating development of aircraft carrying ships in the USSR. The Ka-25
Hormone helicopter was developed to meet a Soviet Naval Air Force specification for an
anti-submarine helicopter for ship or shore-based use. The first Ka-25 prototype flew in
1961. Designed by the world's leading pioneer of co-axial helicopters, Nikolai I. Kamov
(1902-1973) this Soviet AV-MF (naval aviation) anti-submarine warfare rotary wing
aircraft was assigned to the Soviet Helicopter Carrier Moskva. The Hormone is powered
by twin turbines, installed side-by-side above the cabin, that drive two, three-bladed
coaxial, contra-rotating rotors. The contra-rotating rotors eliminated the need for an anti-
torque tail rotor, and made a very compact design possible, with obvious benefits for
shipboard operations. Hormone cannot hover or dip at night.
Specifications
Country of Origin
Builder
Role ASW, Rcce
A is ASW:
B is OTH targeting;
Variants
C is utility / SAR
B and C are unarmed
Similar Aircraft
Rotor Diameter 51 ft., 8 in. / 15.7m
Length 32 ft., 3 in. / 9.8m
Height 17 ft., 7 in. / 5.4m
Weight 16,100 lbs. / 7100kg
Engine 2 x 900 shp Glushnekov GTD-3
Maximum speed 137 mph / 220kph
Cruising speed / 195kph
Ceiling 3500 meters
Cruise range 216nm
Internal Fuel na
Payload 600 kg
Sensors A: Dipping sonar; 3 sonobuoys, MAD, Mushroom
radar, EO sensor estimated to be FLIR.
B: Big Bulge radar, ESM data link
Drop Tanks none
Armament E45-75A torp or B-1 DC. Nuclear DB
Crew
Cost
User Countries
KA-27 Helix A
KA-29 Helix B
KA-32 Helix
Ka-27 was designed to replace Ka-25. The first prototype flew in December 1974.
Variants include the Ka-27PS search and rescue version and Ka-28 ASW model. The Ka-
29 combat/transport helicopter and Ka-31 surveillance variant are in operational service.
The primary function of the KA-29 Helix B amphibious assault helicopter is delivery of
percision-guided weapons, weapons designation, and troop transport.
There are two versions of the Ka-32 helicopter: transport Ka-32T and shipborne Ka-32C.
The Ka-32T version is designed for transporting cargoes inside the cabin and and
externally (for oversized cargoes), passenger transportation, logging in hard access areas,
to fulfill civil engineering and installation work, construction, search/rescue missions,
medevac and off-shore oil rings servicing operations and various types of aerial survey.
The Ka-32C version is designed for carrying out ice prospecting during the steering of
the convoys of ships, their unloading, performance of rescue operations at sea and acting
as ambulances. The Ka-32 has two TVZ-117 turboprop engines which provide higher
power and safety under extreme conditions. Transport version, KA-32T, is devoted to
carry cargoes both internally
Specifications
Country of Origin
Builder
Role
Similar Aircraft
KA-27 Helix A is ASW
KA-27 Helix C is utility / SAR.
Variants KA-29 Helix B is amphibious assault
Ka-32T transport
Ka-32C shipborne
Rotor Span 51.64 ft/15.75 m
Length 34 ft/10.4 m
Height 18 ft/5.5 m
Weight 11,000 kg
Engine TB 3-117 VM
260 km/h Max. allowable flight speed
Speed
205 km/h Cruising speed at 1,500 m with 9,600 kg
weight
115 km/h Economy speed at 1,500 m with 9,600 kg
weight
Ceiling 5000 meters
Cruise range 432 nm
Payload 800 kg
Crew 1 minimum
KA-27 Helix A : Radar; MAD; dipping sonar; 12
sonobuyoys, RWR
Sensors
KA-29 Helix B : RWR, directional ESM, dorsal EW
pod
Drop Tanks na
KA-27 Helix A : E45-7A torp or B-1 DC, Nuclear
Armament DB
KA-29 Helix B : UB-20 rocket pods, AT-6 Spiral
Cost $1,500,000
User Countries
KA-27 Helix A
KA-29 Helix B
KA-32 Helix
Ka-50 HOKUM
Ka-52 HOKUM B
Black Shark / Werewolf
The KA-50 is a state-of-the-art and powerful battle helicopter which is in limited service
with the Russian Air Force. This aircraft is not fielded. Only a handful of prototypes
exist, and it has not yet been approved for full-scale production. There are two versions
of the Hokum. The Ka-50 Hokum-A is a single seat close support helicopter and the Ka-
52 Hokum-B two seat trainer and combat version.
The Mi-28N and Kamov Ka-50 are competing to fulfil the Russian Army Aviation
requirement for a night-capable anti-tank helicopter, a replacement to the Mi-24 created
25 years ago.
The coaxial, contrarotating, three-blade main rotors are widely separated with swept-back
tips, and there is no tail rotor. The equally tapered, short, stubby, weapon-carrying wings
with end plates are mounted on the streamlined fuselage, which tapers to the front and
rear. The fuselage, which is flat-bottomed except for the underbelly gun pod and sensor,
features a flat plated glassed-in canopy. The tail is thick with a tapering tail boom and
back-tapered tail fin with a square tip. The tail flats are high-mounted on the tail boom
with end plates, and located forward of the fin. Twin turboshaft engines are mounted high
on the fuselage above the stubby wings, with semicircular air intakes and exhausts that
are turned outward.
The helicopter has a number of unique characteristics including single seat to increase
combat and flight characteristics and reduce operational costs. It was designed for remote
operations, and not to need ground maintenance facilities for 2 weeks. The airframe is
35% composite materials with a structural central 1m 2 keel beam of kevlar/ nomex that
protects critical systems and ammunition. The fully armored pilot's cabin can withstand
23-mm gunfire, and the cockpit glass 12.7-mm MG gunfire. The Zvezda K-37-800 pilot
ejection system functions at any altitude, and enables a successful ejection at low altitude
and maximum speed.
External stores are mounted on underwing external hardpoints. Each wing has two
hardpoints for a total of four stations. A typical mix for targeting armor formations is 12x
AT-16 ATGMs, 500x 30-mm cannon rounds, and 2x 20-round pods of 80-mm folding fin
unguided rockets. The 30-mm cannon is the same as on the BMP-2. It also carries guided
air-to-air missiles IGLA-V (Needle C), already extensively tested and sold to buyers
abroad. The Shark's avionics is largely in line with what is the norm for one-seater
fighters and ground attack jets. It's most remarkable feature is a remote targeting system
with a capability to provide for a sudden deadly attack from a distance that rules out
direct visual contact with the target. The firing computer will turn the aircraft to keep the
gun on target. It is equipped with downlink to provide information from the battlefield.
The targeting and control system and weaponry enable accurate target engagement at
ranges of up to 10km.
The KA-50 features unique maneuvrability and operating characteristics due to the
contra-rotating co-axial rotors. The coaxial counter-rotating rotor system negates the need
for a tail rotor and its drive system. Because of this, this aircraft is unaffected by wind
strength and direction, has an unlimited hovering turn rate, and gives a smaller profile
and acoustic signature, while allowing a 10-15% greater power margin. The HOKUM is
fully aerobatic. It can perform loops, roll, and “the funnel”, where the aircraft will
maintain a concentrated point of fire while flying circles of varying altitude, elevation,
and airspeed around the target.
VARIANTS
 Ka-50A/HOKUM A: Standard direct air support variant.
 Ka-50N/HOKUM N: Night attack variant fitted with a nose-mounted FLIR. The
cockpit is fitted with an additional TV display, and is NVG compatible.
 Ka-52/HOKUM B: The “Alligator” is a side-by-side, two-seat cockpit variant of
the Ka-50. The gross weight of the aircraft is greater, so the performance is
marginally degraded. But airframe characteristics, dimensions, and armaments are
relatively similar. It includes a mast-mounted millimeter wave radar covering the
front quadrant only. It is used as an attack aircraft, and as a trainer for the Ka-50.
Beginning in 1997 Kamov company, in partnership with IAI, began competing in the
tender for a $4 billion contract for the supply of 145 combat helicopters to the Turkish
Army. In compliance with the tender requirements, KAMOV/IAI group submitted the
required documentation on the Ka-50-2 Erdogan tandem twin-sitter in November 1999.
On 06 March 2000, Bulent Ecevit, the Prime Minister of Turkey, announced that Boeing
and Eurocopter, French/German company, would be excluded from the list of the Bidders
for the combat helicopters supply contract. Among the remaining competitors for the
contract award are KAMOV/IAI (Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd.) group with its Ka-50-2
Erdogan, Agusta company from Italy with its A129 Mongoose and Belltextron company
from the USA with its AH-1Z King Cobra.
Specifications
Builder KAMOV
Role Antihelicopter and gunship
Hirundo A109, Mangusta A129, AH-64
Similar Aircraft Apache, AH-1F Cobra
Main rotor: 6 (2 heads, 3 blades each) Tail
Blades
rotor: None
Rotor diameter 14.5 meters
Wing span 7.34 meters
rotors turning: 16 meters
Length fuselage: 15.0 meters
gear extended: 4.93 meters
Height
gear retracted: 4 meters
Cargo Compartment Negligible
Dimensions
Engines 2x 2,200-shp Klimov TV3-117VK turboshaft
Empty: 7,692 kg
External weapons load: 2,500 kg on 4 under-
Standard Payload
wing stores points.
Maximum (level): 340 km/h (est.)
Speed Cruise: 270-310 km/h
Sideward: 100+ km/h, Rearward: 100+ km/h
Turn Rate unlimited
Max “G” Force +3 to +3.5 g
Internal: INA
Fuel (liters)
External Fuel Tank: 500 ea. (max 4x)
Maximum Load: INA
Range (km) Normal Load: 460
With Aux Fuel: INA
Armament 1x 2A42 30-mm cannon [250 HE-Frag +
250 AP]
2 - AT-16 VIKhR ATGM (6 each)
2 - 80-mm rockets (20 each)
2 - Twin 23-mm gun pods [940 rounds]
4 - 500-kg bombs
2 - AA-11/ARCHER AAM
External fuel tanks (500 liters)
30-mm Automatic Cannon, 2A42:
Range: effective 3,000 m
Elevation: -45° to +10°
Traverse: ±15°
Ammo type and rate of fire is selectable by
pilot (HE or AP, 350 or 600)
Most Probable Armament:
Fuselage-mounted 30-mm cannon on right
side
80-mm rockets
AT-16 VIKhR ATGMs [ATGM racks can
depress to 12°]
AVIONICS The HOKUM uses a low-light level TV or
thermal sighting, a laser range-finder (10
km), FLIR, air data sensor, and digital data-
link which interface with a fire control com-
puter, an autopilot, a helmet sighting system
and HUD for target location, acquisition,
designation, and firing. Night/Weather
Capabilities:
This aircraft’s avionics package ensuring a
full day/night, all weather capability. If it is
to be employed at night in an attack role, it
must be fitted with a night targeting pod. This
pod includes a FLIR, a millimeter wave
radar, and an electro-optical sight takes up
one of the underwing pylons. The Ka-50N,
and Ka-52 are capable of performing attack
missions in day/night, and all-weather
conditions.
The French companies Thomson-CSF, and
Sextant Avionique offer nav/attack systems,
which can be fitted to export variants.
Survivability/Countermeasures Main rotors and engines electrically
deiced.
Infrared signature suppressors can be
mounted on engine exhausts.
Radar warning receivers, IFF, chaff and
flares.
Armored cockpit and self-sealing fuel
tanks.
Pilot ejection system.
Crew 1 (pilots, 2 in Ka-52)
Cost
Preproduction in Russia. An initial fielding
User Countries
plan is for 2 per year for 14 years.
Ka-52
DR-3 / M-141 REYS (TUPOLEV)
The Reys (voyage) was developed by the Tupolev design bureau in the 1970s. The DR-3
is very similar to the DR-5.
GENERAL DATA
Country of Origin. CIS.
Similar Aerial Platform. DR-5, Banshee, Crecerelle.
Role. Tactical reconnaissance UAV.
Armament. None.
Dimensions. Length: 23 ft (7.3 m). Span: 9 ft 10 in (3 m).
WEFT DESCRIPTION
Wings. Low-mounted and delta-shaped with square tips. Small, swept-back canards.
Engine(s). Large, jet on top rear of fuselage. Large air intake.
Fuselage. Long, slender, tapers to the front, blunt rear. Pitot tube.
Tail. Short, swept-back fin on top of engine. Tail cone.
USER COUNTRY
CIS.
SHMEL-1 Yak-061 (YAKOVLEV)
Shmel-1 was designed for day and night surveillance and monitoring operations. This
system has been exported to other countries under the name of Malakhit.
GENERAL DATA
Country of Origin. CIS.
Similar Aerial Platform. None.
Role. Remote terrain observation.
Armament. None.
Dimensions. Length: 9 ft, 1 in (2.78 m). Span: 10 ft, 6 in (3.25 m).
WEFT DESCRIPTION
Wings. High-mounted and straight with blunt, negative slanted tips.
Engine(s). Prop-engine and has a round enclosure at the rear in the opposing position.
Fuselage. Rounded, bullet nose. Pads on feet of four curved legs for landing.
Tail. Three swept-back stabilizers on rear of craft forming the engine housing.
USER COUNTRIES
CIS, Syria.

Russian Military Aircraft

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Russian Military Aircraft

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FAS Military Affairs

Russian Military Aircraft

 Fencer A is initial production variant w/ squared off aft fuselage.

Su-34 (Su-27IB - Istrebitel-Bombardirovshchik) is a two seat ("arm-to-arm") strike

1 x 30 mm gun: GSh-301 (150 rnds)

The S-37 features forward-swept wings, which promises a range of benefits in

The MiG-23 series served as fighter-interceptors, with a secondary capability of ground

two R-40 missiles

13.5 m x 2.6 m x 3.5 m (122.9 cu. m) cargo bay

In September 2000 it was reported that Rosvoorouzhenie, Russia’s arms-exporting

Engine 2 TV2-117, 1482 hp each 2 TV3-117VM 1900 hp

Most Probable Armament: fitted with 2x

Loaded combat troops can fire personal

The Mi-17 is equipped with instruments,

 Mi-24D/HIND D: Direct air support.

You might also like